In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Spectrios Institute, we are sharing 40 stories of hope that showcase the impact Spectrios has made for children and adults living with vision loss.
Age-related macular degeneration took her tennis and music. Low vision technology training from the Access Technology Lab gave Joanne B. back reading, news, and connection.
In 1998, at the age of 24, Rosalinde was a single mother of two young boys (age 4.5 years and 1.5 years). She was working full time as a manager at a currency exchange and had just moved into her own apartment. Then she woke up with a blood clot that caused her to lose vision to the point that she was immediately unable to work, drive, or even perform the most basic care for her children.
In 2011 one of Rosalinde’s doctor’s asked her what her life goal was. At the time her oldest son was getting ready to begin his drivers education. Rosalinde told her doctor that if she could find a way to drive, she could be an active part of her son’s training rather than watching from the sidelines. Her doctor gave her a pamphlet about the Spectrios Sight for the Road program and told her. “I’m not sure if they can help you, but it’s worth a shot.” Rosalinde made an appointment with Dr. John Coalter, who tested her for bioptic driving and referred her to Marianjoy for behind-the-wheel training.
I was born premature with ROP but didn’t come to Spectrios until I was in my 30’s. My first visit was as a DHS (IDORS) patient in the late 80s. Although I saw a doctor at Wheaton Eye Clinic, I was not referred to Spectrios until meeting with Don Davia, my rehab counselor. I was one of the early patients seen within the first 3 years we were open.
Things changed when Janice came to Spectrios. She started off seeing Dr. Park, who was caring but direct about what she could and couldn’t see. She was honest with Janice; She told her she needed to stop and think thing through, differently. She told her she needed to reset her brain. Spectrios showed Janice how to reenvision navigating her world. From setting up her living spaces to learning new technology, Spectrios was there every step of the way.
Things changed when Janice came to Spectrios. She started off seeing Dr. Park, who was caring but direct about what she could and couldn’t see. She was honest with Janice; She told her she needed to stop and think thing through, differently. She told her she needed to reset her brain. Spectrios showed Janice how to reenvision navigating her world. From setting up her living spaces to learning new technology, Spectrios was there every step of the way.
Meet Barbara, a patient from Spectrios Institute for Low Vision who shares her story of hope. From receiving her low vision diagnosis to finding ways to remain independent with vision loss. Barbara Gannon has struggled with vision impairment for many years, but she had always been able to find a work-around. After receiving her diagnosis
Giving the Gift of Reading When Diane, an avid reader, came to Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, she was frustrated by her inability to read. Can you imagine not being able to read your bills? The loss of independence due to her vision was a daily struggle. Dr. Irvine met with Diane and diagnosed her
Teresa has surgery for a detached retina. Due to complications, she has had three additional surgeries and has vision loss.
Dorothy has age-related macular degeneration in both eyes. Last fall, she came to Spectrios to learn about technology and devices to help her live her best life. Dr. Williams provided Dorothy with a comprehensive low vision exam and referred her to occupational therapy and access technology for low vision rehabilitation and training.
