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>> Statement: [Page 97]

“Hubbard would sometimes chastise members of his crew about their dependence on eyeglasses, which he said were an admission of ‘overts’—transgressions against the group.

”  Wright alleged Mr. Hubbard would discourage crew from wearing glasses.

>> True Information: Mr. Hubbard did not discourage crew from wearing eyeglasses if they needed them.

Moreover, early Sea Org members were always provided with medical attention, just as they are today, which includes prescription eyewear.

Mr. Mark Ingber, who has worn glasses throughout his Sea Org career, states, “In all of the years I knew Mr. Hubbard, from 1968 onward, I wore glasses. In Mr. Hubbard’s presence and otherwise he never made mention of them. The allegation is simply false.”

Mr. Normal Starkey, who also worked with L. Ron Hubbard in the beginning days of Church film production, responded:

“Mr. Hubbard did not discourage crew from wearing eyeglasses if they needed them. He was very caring of those he dealt with. Early Sea Org crew members were always assisted with medical attention, just as they are today.

“When I was the Producer and Assistant Director for Mr. Hubbard in the late 1970s, Mr. Hubbard directed that any crew using a camera or video camera should get their eyes tested and if needed, wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, because camera focus was extremely important.”

With respect to the questions/allegations about eyeglasses, Mr. Wright was provided an example of an “Orders of the Day” item Mr. Hubbard wrote in December 1969 regarding people standing sea watches: “Persons who should wear glasses and don’t, put us at risk.