Bio:

Dr. Sam Berne, OD, BF (Behavioral Optometry)** brings over 40 years of pioneering work at the intersection of vision science, neuroplasticity, and whole-person wellness. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he is both a clinician and thought-leader in holistic and integrative eye care.

Qualifications & Training

* B.S., Pennsylvania State University
* Doctor of Optometry, Pennsylvania College of Optometry
* Post-doctoral fellowship at the Gesell Institute, affiliated with Yale University, focusing on infant/child development. ([Dr. Sam Berne][1])
*Certified in Iridology by Dr. Ellen Jensen
* Licensure in multiple states (including New Mexico and Hawaiʻi), with advanced training in behavioral/neuro-developmental optometry. ([Dr. Sam Berne

Professional Focus

Dr. Berne’s approach goes beyond traditional eye exams. He treats vision as a dynamic system of eye-brain-body interaction, using modalities such as vision therapy, color/light therapy, somatic movement, craniosacral work, and nutritional support.

Career Highlights

* Founded a private practice in Santa Fe that has served children and adults with vision difficulties, learning disorders, traumatic brain injury, and neuro-sensory challenges for over three decades.
* Authored multiple books and educational resources, including *Creating Your Personal Vision* and *Vital Vision*, bridging clinical practice with holistic perspective.
* International presenter and retreat leader in holistic vision, teaching in locations such as Hawaiʻi, Mexico, Europe and Russia.
* Faculty member of the Esalen Institute (Big Sur, CA), leading retreats in whole-health, vision, color therapy and subtle energy.

Signature Programs & Innovations

* **Functional Vision Integrative Body Certification**: a practitioner training program integrating functional vision, somatic movement and holistic eye-brain protocols.
* Holistic retreat offerings (e.g., multi-day vision & transformation retreats) grounded in his belief that vision healing is as much about the nervous system, body processes and energy as it is about lenses.
* A dedicated focus on conditions often underserved in conventional optometry such as cataracts, macular degeneration, post-viral vision dysfunction, and neuro-plastic enhancement of vision.

Mission & Philosophy

Dr. Berne’s mission is to empower people to **see clearer, feel better and live brighter**. He challenges the default model of “prescribe-and-manage” by addressing root causes, leveraging neuroplasticity and designing personalized pathways for vision improvement. He states: “Vision is not only about the eyes—it is the organ of light, tied to how the brain, body and spirit work together.”

Why People Seek Him Out

Individuals come to Dr. Berne when they are ready to:

* Explore alternatives to surgery or stronger prescriptions
* Reconnect vision with systemic health, brain function and lifestyle
* Navigate complex cases (learning-related vision issues, brain injury, progressive ocular conditions) with integrative and functional tools
* Participate in immersive experiences (retreats/workshops) that shift not just their vision but their entire visual system and life patterns

Contact & Offerings

* Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
* Clinic: Holistic Eye Care & Vision Therapy
* Online: Tele-medicine, practitioner training, membership portals and global reach
* Workshops: In-person retreats and online deep-dives in vision, neuroplasticity and whole-system health

**Dr. Sam Berne** stands at the nexus of vision science, holistic health and transformational coaching, offering a unique pathway for those who refuse to live...