A few years ago, it became apparent to all serious practitioners of
iridology and sclerology that in order to be accepted by other practitioners and the
general public that we would have to get our house in order. Unfortunately, because of the
lack of uniformity and formal training in this country this proved to be a difficult task.
There were practitioners who were using techniques taken from ancient and out of date
books to people with the latest formal training and methods. The length of training varied
from nil to years. Obviously for us to be taken seriously, we would have to set standards
and institute training for those who needed it.
About
the author;
Dr.Derek Johnson is a registered Specialist Opticologist who is in private practise and a
lecturer in iridology and sclerology. He has studied both locally and internationally. He
completed his research into an interdisciplinary doctoral dissertation on the sociological
impact to the haematogenic constitution in rural/industrial environments. He developed the
first comprehensive combined iridology /sclerology chart in the world. This chart is now
the standard for all opticology students. He is chairman of the South African Integrated
Opticology Council and a director of Natural Health Dispensaries, a J.S.E. listed company
responsible for natural health dispensaries in various national chains. Tel: (011)
782-8749 E-mail:iridologist@mweb.co.za |
A few years ago, it became apparent to all serious practitioners of iridology and
sclerology that in order to be accepted by other practitioners and the general public that
we would have to get our house in order. Unfortunately, because of the lack of uniformity
and formal training in this country this proved to be a difficult task. There were
practitioners who were using techniques taken from ancient and out of date books to people
with the latest formal training and methods. The length of training varied from nil to
years. Obviously for us to be taken seriously, we would have to set standards and
institute training for those who needed it.
A core of qualified practitioners was formed and a committee was elected. We found that in
order to form a professional body the words "iridology" and
"sclerology" would have to be dropped as, in South Africa, there was no control
over who may practise using those titles. Furthermore these modalities were also
registered subjects of homeopaths and naturopaths. Those of us who wanted to specialise in
these modalities felt that we needed a fresh start and the word "opticology" was
born.
Over a period of three years, a constitution was drawn up and certain basic requirements
for practitioners were set down. This is based on the constitutions of other professions
already registered with Allied Health. The subjects required for practitioners of
opticology included opticology 1 to 3, anatomy, physiology, phytopharmacology, nutrition,
psychology, sociology, practise management, ethics etc. The periods required for training
of practitioners would be, depending on category, a period of two to four years. Anybody
wishing to become a specialist would have to have a doctorate and a minimum of four years
practice experience as an opticologist. Candidates of opticology who are already qualified
in other modalities are able to apply to the registrar of the South African Council of
Integrated Opticology for a recognition of prior learning assessment to be done. Any
college wishing to undertake training is subject to rigorous scrutiny and the course
material must conform to certain standards, for example; all information has to be backed
by conventional research, any anecdotal information is specifically excluded.
A good example is that of the International Iridology Practitioners' Association. (IIPA).
In the early 1980's this group was formed in California by practitioners from many
countries and different schools of thought. The thinking behind this was that there was
too much misinformation about iridology out there and it was thought essential that a
standardized, research based iridology be practised by all members. Various universities
and research institutions in the United States, France, Germany, Russia and the United
Kingdom undertook research projects. Over the years a large body of conventionally
accepted information has been accumulated.
A good few myths have been dispelled as a result. The essentials of what iridology could
and could not do were well established. A huge amount of genetic strengths and weaknesses
can be established by careful examination of the iris. To a limited degree, personal
history can also be established. For example, it was generally accepted by most
practitioners that the white ring that sometimes appeared around the outer edge of the
iris was a sure sign of cholesterol problems.(in fact, the ring was even called the
cholesterol ring!) Studies proved that this was not true and in fact it merely pointed to
a predisposition to liver related problems which could, in certain instances, lead to
cholesterol problems. In other words, if the owner of such an eye ate the right diet,
exercised correctly and lived the correct lifestyle this weakness would most likely be
avoided. (It must be mentioned here that herein lies the true strength of iridology - a
technique that can help patients avoid genetic and personal weaknesses by practising
specific lifestyle techniques)
In the case of current pathology very little can be established with a few notable
exceptions. The most research being done is focused on the so called pupil tonus or
pupillary shape. Here, we are able to identify certain problems in the back and the
central nervous system. Potential adrenal exhaustion, blood sugar and blood pressure
related issues can also be identified.
The IIPA now requires all practitioners who wish to be members to write their levels one
and two examinations before acceptance is granted. As a result of this practise, more
conventional training institutions became interested in the subject. In June, 2001 the
writer was at a convention in San Marcos, California where it was announced by members of
the Ford Foundation that Howard University would receive a bi-lateral grant to establish
(a) a research facility dedicated to iridology and (b) a department of iridology to teach
this exciting science to all student doctors registered at that facility. Howard
university chose the IIPA course material for this purpose.
This information is essential studying for all potential opticologists.
The same process has now been used with sclerology, the study of the lines and colours on
the sclera of the eye. It is fascinating to note that if used properly, this modality can
give the practitioner the path of disease, where it comes from, where it is at and where
it will end up if not treated. It can be utilised to detect weaknesses sometimes years
before they become apparent to conventional analysis techniques. One can also use
sclerology to identify if the pathology is as a result of psychological or physical
origin. In holistic care, this information is essential as one can not only target the
current weaknesses, but also get to the source of the problem. For example a patient was
presenting with numerous physiological problems such as irritable bowl syndrome,
sleeplessness, tiredness and depression.
On examination of the sclera I asked the patient if she had any problems related to her
parents (Emotional trauma signs presenting in the oedipal area of the upper left
quadrant). She recalled parental neglect from the time a younger sibling was born. This
was also the time that her first symptoms appeared. We were then able to deal with the
issues holistically and after more than thirty years of physical problems this person has
now gained relief. Once again, essential studying for all potential opticologists.
Because these subjects are, in essence, analysis techniques, the question can be asked;
what then? That is why all opticology students are taught basic botany, phytopharmacology
and phytotherapy. Nutrition, psychology and lifestyle techniques are also taught. A good
example would be, in opticology one, students are taught the basic iris constitutions,
their strengths and weaknesses. As, on average, 60% of the strengths and weaknesses affect
every person within a particular constitution, it is logical to give the patient
sufficient information to strengthen their weaknesses. One of the major constitutions is
the blue eyed or lymphatic constitution. Here the subject would typically have weaknesses
in the upper respiratory tract, joints, (a tendency to gout, arthritis etc.) kidneys and
adrenals. They would also tend to be over reactive to allergies.
A practitioner would recommend a diet to exclude acidic foods, common allergenic-type
foods such as dairy and wheat. It would also be recommended that any exercise that could
cause strain to the joints such as running be avoided and replaced with swimming, walking
etc. Essential herbs, vitamins and minerals could also be recommended. Let us assume that
this particular subject also had a sub-constitution called anxiety tetanic.(a typical
weakness to this subtype is poor absorption of minerals and, on an emotional level, less
able to deal with stress.) The practitioner would then suggest adding plenty of leafy
greens (high in minerals and easily absorbed by the body) to the diet and maybe taking up
yoga.
Traumatology is also compulsory to an opticology student as a high percentage of pathology
has it's origins in various traumas to the mind.
All students are also given the outlines of other modalities such as homeopathy, Chinese
medicine, allopathics etc. as it is vital that patients always be referred to the correct
practitioners.
What then, is the major function of an opticologist? In South Africa we have a huge
population with poor access to proper medical care. From information already mentioned, it
is obvious that a primary benefit of the analysis techniques used is that of strengthening
weaknesses and, in some cases, preventing sub-clinical conditions from developing years in
advance. The advantage being that patients would require less medical attention and
therefore not need already overloaded facilities and generally be in better health. An
obvious boon to the economy.
Another benefit would be to young families. Children could be taught the correct lifestyle
skills early in their lives, when good habits can easily be established. Imagine, a
lifetime gift of good health!
In case studies conducted in Germany, it has been found that from generation to
generation, the average constitutional strength of the populace is weakening at an
alarming rate. From other studies and reports from practitioners throughout the world it
can be assumed that this is common to all countries. There are many reasons for this, the
main being an increasingly toxic environment both internally and externally. Opticologists
have the knowledge to advise patients to manage their circumstances to the maximum
advantage. These trends could be reversed in a generation!
Where are we now? The South African council of Integrated Opticology had its' first formal
meeting in June 2005 where a board was elected and a registrar appointed. This
organization is a non-profit society established for the regulation of opticologists.
There is an education committee and a disciplinary body. As part of their registration all
practitioners are also required to carry malpractise insurance. Member recruitment has
started and so far the applications have been highly satisfactory.
For any further details please contact the Registrar, The South African Integrated
Opticological Council, Ms. Isobel Dormehl at 073 909 7562
