Man Heals Vision Through Prayer

Evan Mehlenbacher shares how he overcame failing eyesight without glasses by turning to God for spiritual healing.

Published on Feb. 1, 2026

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Evan Mehlenbacher, a Christian Science practitioner in Richland, Washington, shares his story of how he healed his failing vision through prayer instead of getting glasses. After struggling to read the eye chart at the DMV 10 years ago, Mehlenbacher decided to seek spiritual healing rather than a medical remedy. Over several months of prayer and study of Bible verses about vision and healing, Mehlenbacher's eyesight gradually improved. When he returned to the DMV last year, he was able to easily read the eye chart and received a new driver's license.

Why it matters

Mehlenbacher's story highlights the power of faith and prayer in achieving physical healing, challenging the common assumption that medical treatment is the only solution for vision problems. His experience demonstrates an alternative approach to healthcare that some religious communities embrace, emphasizing the role of spiritual understanding and divine intervention in restoring health.

The details

When Mehlenbacher struggled to read the eye chart at the DMV 10 years ago, the agent warned him that he needed to see an optometrist. Instead, Mehlenbacher decided to seek spiritual healing through prayer and study of the Bible. He focused on verses about the 'seeing eye' created by God and Jesus' healing of the blind. Over several months, Mehlenbacher noticed his vision gradually improving. When he returned to the DMV last year, he was able to easily read the eye chart and received a new driver's license.

  • 10 years ago, Mehlenbacher had difficulty reading the eye chart at the DMV.
  • Last year, Mehlenbacher was able to easily read the eye chart at the DMV.

The players

Evan Mehlenbacher

A practitioner and teacher of Christian Science in Richland, Washington, and a member of the Christian Science Church in Pasco.

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What they’re saying

“It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail”

— Jesus Christ (Bible (John 6:63)

“Receive your sight; your faith has made you well”

— Jesus Christ (Bible (Luke 18:41-42)

The takeaway

Mehlenbacher's story demonstrates how some religious communities embrace an alternative approach to healthcare that emphasizes the power of faith and prayer in achieving physical healing, challenging the common assumption that medical treatment is the only solution for vision problems and other health issues.