Optometry involves examining the eyes and related structures for defects and abnormalities. Pharmacognosy is study of crude drugs obtained from medicinal plants, animals, fungi and natural sources.
Baba started practicing medicine in the village, examined patients and gave medicines. He was always successful, and He became famous as a Hakim (Doctor). A curious case may be narrated, about His knowledge of solving Eye problem with medicinal plants, here.
One devotee got his eye balls quite red and swollen. No Doctor was available in Shirdi. The other devotees took him to Baba. Other Doctors would use ointments, Anjans, cow’s milk and camphorated drugs etc., in such cases.
Baba’s remedy was quite unique. He pounded some ‘Beeba’ (Some Carpus Ana Cardium i.e. marking nuts) and made two balls of them, thrust them over each eye of the patient and wrapped a cloth-bandage round them (eyes). Next day, the bandage was removed and water was poured over them.
The inflammation subsided and the pupils became white and clear. Though the eyes are very delicate, the Beeba caused no hurt, but removed the disease of the eyes. Many such cases were cured, this is only one instances in this regard.
"I draw to Me, My man from far off or even across the seven Seas to Shirdi, like a sparrow with a string fastened to its feet"-Shirdi Sai Baba, Indian Spiritual Guru-God 