It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.

Albus Dumbledore (JK Rowling)

The Harry Potter books have a special place in my heart because they were the first popular culture books I could access (via Stephen Fry’s terrific audiobooks) at the same time my classmates were  voraciously consuming the wizarding world. Before, most children’s books were inaccessible to me because audiobooks were scarce so, like many other aspects of life (such as playing sports) the young school boy me condemned myself to not being able to partake in another delight of normal childhood. 

Through Stephen Fry, I was able to dive into the enchanting world of Harry Potter and emersed myself in a world filled with wondrous spells, magical creatures, and epic adventures. Yet, amidst all the wizardry, I couldn’t help noticing that many characters, including, the seemingly all powerful Albus Dumbledore, the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter, the pompous Percy Weasley, and the stern but fair Minerva McGonagall all shared certain, muggle like  characteristics, being their use of glasses.

I’ve often wondered why these wizards and witches , armed with powerful magic, never found a way to cure their eyesight and bid farewell to their glasses. In this blog post, I’ll delve into my thoughts on the reasons why, in a world where bones can be regrown, giant teeth shrunk and feline Polyjuice potion reactions reversed, why eyesight can’t be cured and what this says about sight impairment, both in our own society, and in the wizarding world.

So grab a butterbeer, focus your inner eyes and stop squeezing those Bubotubers and take a fly through my thoughts. As ever, feel free to send me any howlers in the comments below!

Why Do Witches and Wizards Still Need Glasses?

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that the magical world, while capable of performing incredible feats, is not without limitations. Correcting eyesight involves intricate knowledge of both magical and physiological aspects of the eye. It’s plausible that eye conditions might be among the challenges that magic struggles to completely address.

In the wizarding world, magic often complements medicine, but it doesn’t necessarily replace it. Just as magical healing might not mend every ailment, it’s possible that eye conditions are better treated through traditional medical means, especially considering the delicate nature of vision correction.

While there are spells for enhancing vision, such as the “Accio Glasses” spell used to summon lost eyewear, the complexity of permanently altering eyesight might surpass the capabilities of standard spells. Magic often operates within its own set of rules and boundaries and curing eyesight, much like reawakening the dead is just a stretch too far.

Within the world of Harry Potter, magic can’t solve everything. As Dumbledore says, “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” If every flaw, physical or otherwise, was magically adjusted, it would undermine the central theme of life and being human, namely that magic and life are as much about their limitations as its capabilities. By not having a cure to eyesight impediments, there is an emphasis put on the fact that magic is not a solution to all problems – much like modern muggle medicine today cannot cure every medical issue we experience.

Finally, another  reason may be that, the wizarding world, like our own, may have ethical considerations when it comes to altering the human body or altering the course of natural events (think about the ban on love potions and time turners (after book 3 of course). Permanent, drastic changes could have unforeseen consequences or ramifications, and magical society might discourage such alterations. We only need to think about the ethical concerns we have today about genetic engineering, and the potential for so called “designer babies” (where parents choose the genetic composition of their children to give them say, blue eyes, or an athletic build) to relate to this position.

Literary Symbolism?

Fundamentally, Harry Potter’s glasses aren’t just an accessory; they’re part of his identity. Removing them might symbolize severing a connection to his past, his parents, and the journey that shaped him. Embracing one’s imperfections can also be a powerful message, reminding us that even the extraordinary have their vulnerabilities.

One of the most immediate reasons that might come to mind is the relatability factor. Glasses are a common accessory, and many readers have either worn or known someone who wears them. By allowing Harry to wear glasses, JK Rowling makes her protagonist more accessible to the average reader. His imperfect vision makes him human, familiar, and not so different from many of us.

Similarly, from a storytelling perspective, Harry’s glasses serve as a recognizable element that sets him apart visually. They become a symbol of his relatability and humility. Removing his glasses might lessen his relatability or even alter his appearance to a degree that readers and viewers are less accustomed to.

In our world, sight is often taken for granted, but when it’s compromised, society sometimes views it as a weakness or disability. By not addressing Harry’s vision in the series, Rowling might be challenging our perceptions. The Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One, wears glasses, and yet, it never hinders his journey. His glasses are never portrayed as a disability or weakness, nor are they ever the focal point of his character.

In literature, eyes often symbolize insight, understanding, and enlightenment. Harry’s imperfect vision can be viewed as a metaphorical representation of how sight does not equate to understanding. Harry, even with his glasses, often lacks clarity in understanding the world around him, the intentions of people, and his role. This resonates with the idea that true insight comes from experience, understanding, and empathy, not just physical sight.

JK Rowling’s decision might also be a statement against the traditional portrayal of heroes. In many stories, the protagonist is often depicted as physically perfect. Harry’s glasses break this stereotype, emphasizing that heroism isn’t about physical perfection but about courage, kindness, and determination.

Additionally, the series has other characters with physical imperfections or disabilities, such as Mad-Eye Moody and his magical eye. These characters challenge and defy societal expectations, proving that strength and courage are not solely determined by physical attributes.

Final Thoughts

From a purely aesthetic perspective, the glasses have become an iconic part of Harry’s identity. It’s hard to imagine him without them. They’ve become as much a part of his character as his lightning bolt scar.

The decision to let Harry Potter retain his glasses is not just a trivial detail. It’s a layered choice that speaks volumes about challenging societal norms, the limitations of magic, and the complexities of human nature. It reminds readers that true sight is not just about seeing the world around us but understanding it. And, most importantly, it underscores the message that our imperfections, physical or otherwise, do not define our worth or our ability to be heroes in our own stories.

*Disclaimer  – The thoughts on this post are mine. They are based off the life experiences, difficulties and challenges of a man having lived with, worked and experienced the world with a sight impairment who is lucky enough to use these for the betterment of disabled individuals and society in general. Other  individuals may have alternative  views to those of my own which will be just as valid as my own.