Spectrios is honoring 40 years of serving adults and children with vision loss. In our time, we have been blessed to be part of so many stories of hope and this year we’re sharing those stories with you! As part of our 40 Stories of Hope in 40 Weeks series, we are sharing Chris's story. Chris was born with Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and began her Spectrios journey as a patient before eventually coming back as an Access Technology Coordinator.
Janice's Story
Janice was a teacher who loved reading. Then she developed macular degeneration. She was seeing an eye doctor, but he wasn’t being honest with her about her sight. He was telling her what she had lost, but he wasn’t telling her what was still possible.
Introducing Chris
Those familiar with the access technology lab might already know Chris from her work there, but for the unacquainted, Chris has been part of the Spectrios community in one way or another since the late 80’s. Chris was born premature with ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) and has lived her whole life with low vision. She currently has only light perception in her left eye and a detached retina with 30% vision in her right eye. Despite her loss of vision, Chris remains active as an Access Technology Coordinator at Spectrios Institute.
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.
The doctor’s visits were different, functional and concerned with how to navigate your daily life. The doctors and staff at Spectrios, especially Dr. Williams have had a HUGE impact on my life. Dr. Williams and the staff treated my whole person – this was a space where it was OK to be visually impaired.
When I became a patient. I was able to daylight drive but needed to get my form filled out to continue driving. At some point my vision changed and I needed to use telescopic lenses to drive. I was able to participate in the Spectrios/ Marianjoy partnership for driving rehab. That bought me more time behind wheel. My vision continued to change and it became apparent that if I continued to lose peripheral vision I would have to discontinue driving. I was fortunate to have had a “heads up”, giving me time to make the transitions I needed, including moving closer to the train station and making other life adjustments. The counseling and encouragement from Spectrios were invaluable while making these changes.
I became a volunteer sometime in the 90s to give back. I was the mom of two kids, having to work and use technology. I volunteered so I could give back and stay in touch with the new technology coming out.
When Spectrios started EyeTec, I worked with Leah as a volunteer. Sometimes, I would test software or fix computers and occasionally I would work at Tech Open Houses. During the Open Houses we showcased the Tech Tools that were rolling out. My early tech tools were a small 3.5 in. electronic video magnifier and image enlarging software for my computer. As the tech age continued to change, access technology did as well. With newer versions of these tools, I was able to participate in an IT career for over 20 years. My career included teaching Access Technology and working competitively as a Systems Analyst.
In 2011 I was awarded the Clarence Troyer Volunteer of the Year award from Spectrios. Leah and I both “retired” about the same time – Leah from Spectrios and me from my analyst position. Leah’s absence opened a slot at Spectrios and my retirement meant that I had the time to fill it. I’ve been able to work with patients to use both consumer and specialized access tech tools to improve daily life ever since. That includes reading, painting, cooking, traveling socializing, which gives low vision patients more independence.
There have been two constants in my life – Living with vision that continues to change and the Spectrios Team. The staff understands and listens. They guide and counsel how to navigate life with vision loss.
"There have been two constants in my life – living with vision that continues to change and the support of the Spectrios Team."
VISIT CHRIS IN THE
ACCESS
TECHNOLOGY
LAB
This story was first shared in March 2026 in our Brightside Newsletter.
The Brightside is a free publication that Spectrios Institute sends out three times a year. It is full of stories of hope, helpful information for individuals with vision loss and Spectrios news.
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Mark and the Access Technology Lab demystified new technology. Mark, who also lives with vision loss, shared what he uses regularly for help in his own life. He started with the basics, like how to set up Siri to give the weather forecast or make calls. Since Janice was an avid reader, Mark also taught her how to use the library app and speak feature so she could listen to her stories. By the end of the training, she was even having fun! Janice was so excited to show Mark what she could do.
Spectrios is the beacon of hope for Janice. It has shifted her experience from struggling with vision loss to thriving with adaptability and learning. Her outlook is positive and now she has HOPE. The team at Spectrios has been an integral part of her journey. Spectrios is not just a powerful resource, it is a place of hope and support that will affect her life, and many others, for years to come.