9924 152 St Edmonton +1 780 453 6224

Reviews - Eye Conditions

The following are reviews from actual clients for a variety of eye conditions that have been treated at our clinic.

Related to: Macular Degeneration
“I am an  80 year old woman. I was diagnosed with dry macular degeneration about six years ago.  Suddenly, at the end of January my vision began to deteriorate rapidly.  I went to my ophthalmologist and he explained that my macular had turned from dry to wet and this was the cause of my rapid loss of vision.  I was given the usual treatment of a shot of Eylea, the drug used to treat wet macular, in each eye. My daughter knew of Dr. Hansen who treats Macular with acupuncture. She urged me to contact him and see if  I
was a candidate for this treatment.  At the time I was having other medical problems. I have type 2 diabetes, COPD, high blood pressure and I had a heart attack about 5 years ago. I had also gained a lot of weight during the Covid lockdown. My last blood work was not good so my medical doctor had changed my medication and told me I had to lose some weight. In short my health was deteriorating and the rapid deterioration of my vision was a wake up call for me.  I signed up for the treatments with Dr. Hansen. I found that Dr. Hansen treated not only my vision but some of my other medical issues. He was most informative and answered all of my questions. I was given a very individualized diet to follow and after a week of treatments I began  to feel better. My eyes were also improving. I found I was actually looking forward to my next treatment. At the end of my two weeks, my vision had improved a great deal, I had lost some weight and generally I felt better. Katherine,  his wife,  helped me with my diet, showed me some exercises to help my eyes and discussed some supplements I should use to support my vision.   All and all I found the experience very beneficial and recommend Dr. Gunnar Hansen to anyone dealing with vision problems especially macular degeneration wet or dry.”
Pat Denis, Red Deer

Related to: Macular Degeneration

I am 84 years old and was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration 3 ½ years ago. It turned into the wet macular form 2 years ago. A friend who had received treatment for her macular degeneration recommended me to come and see Dr. Hansen. My central vision was getting blurry and zig-zagy and I was getting monthly injections into the eye. Since I started treatments with Dr. Hansen my vision improved significantly and my injections have been spaced out to 4 months. Reading is fun again and I feel healthy all through my body with the treatment ! The dietary recommendations have been very helpful to get me on track and make changes to my diet over time.I couldn’t read recipes anymore and they wanted to get me magnifiers but I don’t need them anymore because I read the recipes easily!. To my own delight and surprise I passed my drivers license test 2 months ago without any difficulty! Dr. Hansen is very good with patients, the way he explains things, the time he takes to answer my questions. I just like talking to him! I’m very happy with everything he’s done with me and the office is lovely and warm and welcoming.

Sophie Harasimiuk, Cold Lake

Related to: Retinitis Pigmentosa

Big thank you to Dr. Hansen and Katharine!

The feeling was so great when I came back home after the treatment. I feel good and have a brighter day than usual after my eye treatment. My low vision stops me from doing many of my daily routines and that leads to frustrations and disappointments. I was able to see the  edging of the concrete to streets or paths after I returned home from Dr. Hansen’s clinic. I could feel the improvement when I walked within the neighbourhood. I feel better  and more confident this time when moving around my area. Thank you Katharine for the insights and encouragements. The exercise and advices help me to embrace the new me and keep me to move forward. I am looking forward to seeing you on my next appointment.

EMAB, Calgary

Related to: Glaucoma

I was diagnosed with Glaucoma and was legally blind before getting the intensive acupuncture treatments with Dr. Hansen. Time was not on my side because of the severity of the disease and my age (70 years old). Along with the treatments, I was advised to do exercises and change my diet. I was shocked at the results. With the combined care I received, my cluster headaches stopped, I am able to use a lower prescription to read and the opthamologist told me I am able to drive again! I am happy with the results. Thank you for giving me back my life!

April Mercredi, Calgary, Alberta

Related to: Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

I got eye acupuncture treatments with Dr. Hansen in December. 2023. Dr. Hansen is a very professional, dedicated, knowledgeable and patient doctor. My retinal vein circulation was poor, causing damage to the central vision. Dr. Hansen treated my whole body’s blood circulation system, not just the eyes, and after two weeks of intensive treatments, my vision significantly improved.
Katherine also provided me with valuable nutritional advices to improve the health. Additionally, Katherine taught me relaxation techniques for both body and mind, as well as daily eye care and exercises, all of which were very helpful. I highly recommend Dr. Hansen and would like to take the chance to say “thank you!“. I will be happy to visit the cozy and beautiful clinic again!

Linda S.

Related to: Diabetic Retinopathy

“Dr. Hansen and Katharine Hansen, I can’t thank you enough for providing me with your specialized treatment for my eye condition as well as all your health recommendations.I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy in 2015, and research led me to find Dr. Hansen and Vision Acupuncture where they specialize in Microacupuncture for the Eyes and other health protocols. A 7-day intensive treatment using Acupuncture and light therapy has resulted in a great improvement in my vision. I see sharper images and have improved 3 lines on the eye chart! Katherine’s craniaosacral massages and eye exercises have made my eyes relax and I am sleeping better than in a long time. Also the nutritional recommendations she has made are improving my health condition and I look forward to a long and healthy future using everything she has taught me. I highly recommend both Dr. Hansen and Katharine for anyone who has vision problems or any other health concern. They are very caring and understanding and treated me with the utmost respect. They truly cared about my health and me and I am forever grateful.

M. Abdul, Calgary

Related to: Macular Degeneration

I was diagnosed with dry, age related macular degeneration in 2009 but had no visual symptoms until 2011. At that time I was referred to an Ophthalmologist who confirmed the diagnosis. I was not totally aware as to its progression until suddenly in 2014, I woke up to being unable to read the newspaper because of the “blackness” that distorted the letters. Upon returning to the Ophthalmologist, I was told that it was progressing fairly rapidly and advised me to seek the services of CNIB as there was no “cure”. Fortunately, my sister researched alternative therapies and discovered Dr. Gunnar Hansen. Once again, I was fortunate enough to be able to start the two week protocol of the acupuncture treatment almost immediately. By the end of those two weeks, my vision was restored to the level of being able to read, write and drive again. I have continued “maintenance” treatments since then and both my visual acuity and health of my macula has improved even more. My Ophthalmologist has confirmed that my eyesight is better than ever and the AMD condition has completely stabilized.

I encourage anyone who has been diagnosed with AMD to begin this treatment with Dr. Gunnar Hansen as soon as it is possible. The quicker that treatment begins, the better chance of maintaining or improving your eyesight. Dr. Hansen’s background in Western medicine in conjunction with his education and experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture forms a valuable foundation for treating the whole body. He is constantly researching new, effective methods of treatment–many of them originating in Europe. The eyes are not separate from the body and cannot be treated as such. Dr. Hansen considers the health of the whole body including proper nutrition and lifestyle of the individual. He is professional, kind, considerate and caring and it is always a pleasure to return for treatments. I am so grateful for the restoration and stabilization of my sight!

Thank you, Dr. Hansen!

Judy McLean, Camrose, Alberta

Related to: Retinitis Pigmentosa

I have been seeing Dr Hansen for over 5 years for Acupuncture. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa approximately 10 years ago, I was not offered any treatment options by mainstream medicine. After every acupuncture session with Dr Hansen, I experience noticeable improvement in my visual field and acuity. I highly recommend Dr Hansen!!

Jocelyn Marchand, St. Albert, Alberta

 

Related to: Macular Degeneration

I am very grateful to Dr. Gunnar Hansen and his wife Katharine for helping me get my health back on track! Not only has my vision improved significantly, but I have been feeling so much for more energetic and healthy since I began treatment with Dr. Hansen, in June 2016.

I am totally amazed at how much clearer and brighter my world became, beginning on the 4th day of Dr. Hansen’s 10-day intensive acupuncture and light treatment protocol. And I am very pleased by how my vision and my health have been steadily improving since I completed Dr. Hansen’s protocol and embarked on the dietary and nutritional changes recommended by him and Katharine, which I have been faithfully following ever since.

I am so pleased with the bright new world that I am once again seeing and I am so happy with my renewed health and vision, that I would recommend Gunnar and Katharine’s treatment to anyone suffering from eye problems or poor health.

I am very grateful to Dr. Gunnar Hansen for bringing his healing knowledge and expertise to Canada, along with his unique and highly effective treatment protocol for eye health, for so many people to benefit from, and I have been recommending him to all of my friends and everyone I meet who is having vision or other health problems.

Arlene Seegerts, Edmonton, Alberta

Related to: Macular Degeneration

(Dry AMD – Right Eye vision improved from 20/400 (legally blind) to 20/60 and Left Eye vision from 20/50 to 20/30 on the Snellen Chart after 10 day treatment protocol)

Dr. Hansen and Katharine Hansen,

I want to thank you again for your intensive treatment for my eye condition.

I am truly amazed with my overall vision improvement since beginning my treatment with Vision Acupuncture. My affected right eye has started to regain its range of vision – which is quite amazing !

I thank you very much for this unique eye treatment that I was lucky enough to discover.

I will look forward to meeting you again at the refresher sessions.

Thank you again!

B. Gerrand, Edmonton

Related to: Stargardt’s Disease

Ma fille Emily souffre de la maladie de Stargardt depuis 2013. Sa vision centrale se dégrade rapidement. Aucun traitement n’existe à ce jour pour cette maladie génétique dégénérative. Nous avons participé en juillet 2014 à un congrès à Paris sur les maladies rétiniennes et nous n’avons eu aucune bonne nouvelle à part un traitement possible environ en 2018. Pendant cet temps la vision de ma fille se dégrade de mois en mois. En octobre 2014, son acuité visuelle est à 20/70. Elle ne peux plus suivre la classe au tableau, elle travaille avec 2 iPads pour grossir ses textes, doit avoir des adaptations à l’école, elle ne pourra jamais avoir son permis de conduire, elle a besoin d’aide pour s’orienter dans les édifices et pour traverser les boulevards, ne regarde plus beaucoup la télévision, lire un livre est très long pour elle et lui donne mal à la tête et le pire elle ne reconnait plus ses amis à plus de 2 mètre de distance car elle a une zone aveugle en plein milieu de son champ visuel. En mars 2015, nous nous sommes rendu à Cuba afin d’essayer un traitement offert pour ralentir la progression de la maladie. Malgré les 3 semaines de traitements aucun changement. En décembre dernier lors des examens d’avant les fêtes elle s’aperçoit d’une dégradation de sa vision. Son examen chez l’optométriste donne une acuité visuelle qui n’est plus que de 20/100.

Nous faisons des recherches sur internet et je tombe sur ce site qui parle d’un traitement d’acupuncture et qui peut aider à améliorer l’acuité visuelle de personnes souffrant de Stargardt. J’ai contacté la clinique et quelques semaines plus tard j’emmène Emily rencontrer le Dr Hansen pour une série de traitements d’acupuncture. L’accueil à la clinique est chaleureux, l’ambiance est très zen et ça sent tellement bon. Bonne nouvelle l’acuité visuelle de ma fille est passée de 20/100 à 20/70 (sans lunettes) après seulement 2 jours de traitements et a 20/50 (avec lunettes) après 7 jours de traitements!!! La zone aveugle au milieu de son champ visuel a rétréci, elle distingue maintenant des couleurs à travers celle-ci et peut voir des détails qu’elle ne voyait plus. Elle regarde maintenant plus la télévision car elle voit mieux et peut même lire un livre. Emily est tellement heureuse de pouvoir se dire qu’elle pourra continuer à voir, qu’elle a l’espoir de garder son acuité visuelle jusqu’à ce qu’il y ait un traitement génique. Je recommande aussi une rencontre, pour des conseils alimentaires, exercices visuels et les merveilleux massages de Katharine Hansen.

Ça vaut vraiment la peine de faire le voyage du Québec à Edmonton, Katharine peut aussi vous suggérer des endroits où loger et manger.

Merci beaucoup Gunnar et Katharine vous êtes fantastiques! Nous retournerons vous voir dans 6 mois.

Catherine and Emily, Montreal

Related to: Macular Degeneration

My first appointment at your business seems clouded it was so long ago. One thing led to another and I presently rest comfortably indoors while cold and snow surround me.

I do not have double vision thanks to referral to a new optometrist. My weight is down as is blood pressure. I have changed my diet and eating patterns. I practice Qi Gong regularly sometimes preceded with time on a rebounder. Importantly, my wet macular degeneration did not progress between May 2014 and December 2015 (stayed the same). I have regular appointments with an Ophthalmologist but so far I did not need any injections to the eye.

This is a note to say thanks to the three of you for your contributions to my eye and other health aspects. Every day is new so this is not to say I will not need “booster shots” to keep on track or to deal with issues as they arise.

Peace and love to you,

Walter Walchuk, Edmonton

Related to: Macular Degeneration

I was diagnosed with Wet Macular Degeneration which runs in my family.

I have found my experience with Dr. Gunnar Hansen to be top notch. He has enhanced my life and brought more sight into my eyes than I have had through conventional treatments. His knowledge and technique is unique and his treatment has also brought my whole body into balance. His training from a German Doctor brings forth a breath of fresh air that more people need to hear about.

On my journey with vision challenges, I have discovered the importance of diet and nutrition through my work with Katharine Hansen. She has taught me about feeding the body with the right foods to balance my digestive system and how to lose weight by eating healthy. I lost 10lbs in the first 2 weeks!. Her work has been just as important as Dr. Hansen’s in improving my health. I am going to continue exploring this natural way to a healthier lifestyle to help keep my eyesight stable and stop it progressing.

Even though my proximity to Edmonton is not close, I still make an effort to go every 6 weeks. We feel very fortunate to have such a high caliber Doctor right here in Alberta. Thank you for all you do, Dr Hansen and Katharine Hansen, I give you 5 stars out of 5. More people need to hear about you!!

Paulette Fersovitch, Cold Lake, AB

Related to: Glaucoma

I was diagnosed with having Glaucoma by the ophtalmologist, given a prescription for eye drops for the rest of my life and sent on my way. I felt rather defeated at first and kind of doomed, then thought there must be some alternative treatment to help me out.

I began to research and found Summer Bozohora, owner of Natural Vision Improvement Center and Dr. Gunnar Hansen. I booked in for a series of intensive Microsystem Acupuncture treatments. The visits were so reassuring, with the soothing coulored lamp and comforting music and atmosphere.

According to the last eye exam my tests for pressure are normal and there is no indication of Glaucoma.

Thank you.

Rayne, Edmonton

Related to: Macular Degeneration

I have had wet macular degeneration in my right eye and was getting injections to stop the leakage from my retina. I developed an infection from one of the injections, which aggravated my condition. After Microsystem Acupuncture treatments with Dr. Hansen, my wet condition improved to the point that I no longer need injections and my ability to read with both eyes has improved significantly.

Barbara Phillips (80), Edmonton

Related to: Retinitis Pigmentosa

The biggest and most obvious difference I notice about my eyesight since Dr. Hansen’s treatement is that it has improved my sensitivity to light and difficulty with contrast. I could not bear to go outside without sunglasses and the glare that I would see at night made it intolerable to watch TV or look at my phone in the dark. Now I can tolerate light sources at night and even go outside during the day without glasses on! This makes a big difference to me.

Albert, Edmonton

Related to: Stargardt’s Disease

Prior to my visit to Dr. Hansen’s office, I had seen several specialists about my issues with central vision. Prescription eye glasses did not fix the issue as my acuity & peripheral appeared to be normal. After numerous visits, I received the same inconclusive diagnosis.

In 2015, I found an eye specialist who determined that I have an eye disease called Stargardt’s. It is more commonly diagnosed at an young age as it is a form of juvenile macular degeneration. I have never worn glasses in my life and at the age of 32, it took me by surprise to learn that the issues I was experiencing were due to genetic deficiency.

Although there is no known cure for this disease, I wasn’t discouraged. I was determined to approach the disease from a different angle. That is where Micro Acupuncture came in and made a significant difference in my life.

After the treatments with Dr. Hansen – colors appeared brighter, font was more clear and my eyes felt more alive. I had more ability to focus and generally felt healthier overall. Dr. Hansen was very professional and knowledgeable, and made me feel very comfortable with every treatment he provided.

One of my favorite things he told me was “It’s not what you are working for, it’s what you are living for”. That sticks with my every day and it pushes me to always keep my health in the front of mind to ensure that I continue to heal and give my body the energy it needs to have healthy vision.

I highly recommend visiting Dr. Hansen and look forward to visiting him again for future treatments.

Ashley M.

Related to: Optic Nerve Damage

I came to the Vision Centre because of Elevated Intracranial Pressure which caused damage to my optic nerves. I suffered vision loss and obscurities in my sight. I was told the pressure was so severe I could lose my vision completely. I was put on a medication by my neurologist but I was not handling the side effects well, and was told I would possibly require surgery to implant a shunt to drain the excess fluid.

I was referred to the Vision Centre by a woman that I met at an event. I contacted them with a fair degree of optimism, because I felt like I had met her for a reason that night! Having had such a negative experience in the hospitals’ health care system, and feeling alone and uneducated about what had happened to me, I sought help and I was hopeful the treatment would be effective.

I was definitely pleased with the results. Two things helped immensely, the first was Dr. Hansens Microsystem Acupuncture protocols for vision loss, and the other was the nutritional program I followed through with.

Microsystem Acupuncture had me regain my vision very quickly and the combined result of the Acupuncture and Nutrition reduced my pressure so I could come off the medication. I also lost 20+ pounds and gained lifelong nutritional information that I now use daily. The Ophthalmologist & Neurologist I was seeing were very surprised at how quick my optic nerve recovered.

I am extremely grateful for the services provided at the Natural Vision Improvement Centre. They truly went above and beyond to care for my needs.

Leslie C. (28) – Sherwood Park, AB

Related to: Macular Degeneration

I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration in 2005 by a prominent eye physician in Calgary. I did little about it until a family friend suggested that Dr. Hansen may have an alternative treatment. I drove to Edmonton for his specialized system of acupuncture for degenerative eye disease. After the treatments I returned home for an eye checkup and the doctor who had initially diagnosed me could find no trace of the disease. He said that he could find no plaque and that my vision was 20/20! He was very surprised. I am deeply grateful for Doctor Hansen’s work as is my family. Thank you.

Gail Vickery – Calgary, Alberta

Related to: Glaucoma

I was diagnosed with Glaucoma and was legally blind before getting the intensive acupuncture treatments with Dr. Hansen. Time was not on my side because of the severity of the disease and my age (70 years old). Along with the treatments, I was advised to do exercises and change my diet. I was shocked at the results. With the combined care I received, my cluster headaches stopped, I am able to use a lower prescription to read and the opthamologist told me I am able to drive again! I am happy with the results. Thank you for giving me back my life!

April Mercredi, Calgary, Alberta

Related to: Diabetic Retinopathy

My sight was quite poor due my high blood pressure and diabetes causing bleeding behind my eyes and the beginnings of Macular Degeneration. After micro-system protocol sessions with Dr. Hansen everything seems so much brighter. I can read grocery signs which I could not read before and I can read books much easier. I am extremely happy with the treatment.

Wendy Leslie – Edmonton, Alberta

Related to: Stargardt’s Disease

My daughter Emily suffers from Stargardt’s disease since 2013. Her central vision is deteriorating rapidly. At this time, no treatment exists for this degenerative, genetic condition. We have participated in a congress in Paris in July 2014 and we haven’t learned any good news except for a possible treatment available in 2018. Meanwhile my daughter’s vision is deteriorating from month to month. In October 2014 her visual acuity was 20/70. She is not able to follow class on the board, she is travelling with two iPads to magnify her texts, she needs special aids at school, she will never hold a driving license, she needs help to orientate in buildings or to cross big streets, she doesn’t watch much television at all, reading a book gives her a headache after a short while and, even worse, she doesn’t recognize her friends anymore from more than 2 meters distance because of a blind zone in her central vision field. In March 2015 we have been to Cuba in order to try a treatment offered to slow down the progression of the disease. In spite of three weeks of treatments no change at all. Last December during an exam before the holidays she noticed a worsening of her vision. Her visit with the optometrist resulted in a visual acuity not more than 20/100.

We do some research on the internet and I stumble upon this site that speaks of an acupuncture treatment that can help improve visual acuity for people that suffer from Stargardt’s. I contacted the clinic and a few weeks later I and Emily are meeting Dr. Hansen for a series of acupuncture treatments. The welcome at the clinic is warm, the ambience very Zen and that feels so good. Good news, my daughter’s visual acuity changes from 20/100 to 20/70 (without glasses) after only 2 days of treatment and to 20/50 (with glasses) after 7 days of treatment!!! The blind zone in her center vision field is receding, where she now also distinguishes some colors and can see details she couldn’t see before. She watches now more TV because she can see more and she can read a book. Emily is so happy to feel she will be able to continue to see and she has hope she will keep her acuity until gene therapy will be available. I also recommend to see Katharine Hansen for a nutritional consult, eye exercises or one of her wonderful Acupressure treatments.

It’s well worth it to travel from Quebec to Edmonton, Katharine also is able to suggest places to stay and to eat.

Thank you, Gunnar and Katharine, you are fantastic! We will return to see you in 6 months time.

Catherine and Emily xx