The missing metric: Exploring how we measure vision: Eric Fletcher at TEDxSanAntonio 2013

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Benchmarks play a critical role in shaping opportunities and experiences. From physical measures like length and weight at birth, to test scores designed to signal intellect; from a monthly checkbook balance, to projected quarterly earnings, measures often have disproportionate impact on how we are viewed and how we behave.

What happens if the metrics are incomplete?

This talk is an exploration of how Vision is measured. Drawing on the personal experiences of one born legally blind, Eric Fletcher shares an account of the limiting nature of the tests that measure eyesight, and what can happen when incomplete testing leads to inaccurate conclusions.

Crediting parents and mentors who knew the tests did not tell the complete story, Eric shares this idea: Vision (with and without a capital "V") is at least as much about what we believe in our hearts as what we can delineate with the eye.

In a world where few things are black and white, senses become entangled with experiences to create a reservoir of perceptions and beliefs that define almost everything.

This is an exploration of what we might see if we remember the missing metric.