Legally Blind, Now Driving: How Spectrios Low Vision Care Gave Mardi Her Independence
Born with a visual disability and legally blind as an adult, Mardi H. never expected to drive. After her eye doctor referred her to Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, Dr. Tracy Williams tested different lenses until he found the right prescription and Mardi saw a bird for the first time. She passed her driver's test at age 28 and, more than 30 years later, she still visits Spectrios Institute for Low Vision every year. Today she teaches voice lessons, directs musicals, and says, "Never give up—Spectrios made it all possible."
I was born with a visual disability and could only see shapes and colors. Over time, my vision worsened until I was legally blind. When I was ready to get my driver's license, I didn't qualify. Later, while living in Dixon, my eye doctor referred me to Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, (called Deicke Center for Visual Rehabilitation at the time), where I met Dr. Tracy Williams.
Dr. Williams tested my vision and tried different lenses until he found the right prescription. He told me to look out the window at a bird. Normally, I could only hear birds, but this time I could see it. I became emotional. What a marvelous moment!
With my new glasses, I was evaluated by the State of Illinois and passed my driver's test at age 28. That was truly a Godsend and gave me the independence I had dreamed of. More than 30 years later, I still visit Spectrios each year for my eye exam and continue to drive safely.
In 2003, I followed a new calling in ministry, attending seminary at the Northern Illinois Theological Society in Wheaton. Spectrios loaned me assistive technology to help with reading during my three-year program. After earning my Master of Divinity, I served churches, and now I teach private voice lessons and direct musicals.
Today, my Explore 5 magnifier helps me around the house, and my new telescopic glasses allow me to read music. My next step is learning to play the piano, and someday I might even pursue a doctorate degree! I can even see the screens in front of church from the back row. I'm building a new home.
If Spectrios had not come into my life, I wouldn't have accomplished all I have today. As a child, I thought I'd never drive. Now, I have no boundaries. Never give up—Spectrios made it all possible.
Help Us Keep Stories Like This Possible
Every story of independence, hope, and renewed confidence starts with access to specialized low vision care — and none of it would be possible without the support of our community. Through the Vital Vision campaign, you can help ensure that adults and children facing vision loss have the resources, technology, and expert care they need to keep living the lives they love.Your support helps fund comprehensive low vision exams, occupational therapy, assistive technology training, and so much more — the very services that made stories like this one possible.