Dr. Carmen Puliafito made the proposal after umpires blew three calls against the Red Sox during the AL Championship Series.

Puliafito, who chairs the ophthalmology department at the Tufts University School of Medicine, said Wednesday he suspects some umpires are secretly nearsighted.

"That's the only explanation I have for these three horrible calls," said Puliafito, who attended every Red Sox home playoff game.

The Red Sox were hurt by several calls, and umpire Rick Reed later admitted his error on a dropped throw in Game 1. Tim Tschida also acknowledged he blew a call in Game 4.

Puliafito said his clinic, the New England Eye Center, has confidentially treated sports officials who worked without glasses or contact lenses.

The offer is good for any umpire, including those who were fired this year, and includes free eye examinations, prescription lenses and laser eye surgery.

"I did hear from an amateur umpire in Racine, Wisc.," Puliafito said. "He said, 'Do you think I qualify'?"

Puliafito offered to give him a discount.

"It's most amusing," said Rich Levin, spokesman for Major League Baseball. "That's all we're going to say about it."