About Us
About Us
Spectrios Institute, formerly the Deicke Center for Visual Rehabilitation, is a unique not-for-profit organization dedicated to comprehensive, multidisciplinary low vision care. We offer functional vision exams, personalized rehabilitation plans, occupational therapy, and adaptive technology training and support for children and adults with visual impairments.
At the Deicke “House of Hope,” we witness stories of resilience every day. Many patients come to us after the life-changing news of permanent vision loss, and we’re here to remind them—and you—that life beyond vision loss is full of possibilities. We see the potential in every individual we work with, helping them navigate their new reality with independence and confidence.
At Spectrios, our “head, heart, and eye” approach cares for the whole person, addressing the physical and emotional challenges of vision loss with hope supported by science.
Our Mission
Spectrios Institute empowers children and adults with vision loss, regardless of income, to optimize their visual capabilities and independence through the use of prescriptive tools, technology, rehabilitative training, and inspiration. We strive to educate every person with vision loss.
Our History
Founded in 1986 by ophthalmologist P.K. Gieser, M.D., and his friend Edwin Deicke, Spectrios Institute for Low Vision (formerly the Deicke Center for Visual Rehabilitation) has provided hope and independence with over 25,000 patient visits over 35 years to individuals of all ages facing vision loss through specialized rehabilitation services.
Both Dr. Gieser and Mr. Deicke experienced the challenges of vision loss and were disheartened by the limited resources available to assist themselves and others. To address this gap in support for those with visual impairments, Dr. Gieser recruited Dr. R. Tracy Williams to lead his “head, heart, and eye” approach in establishing a comprehensive, accredited, multidisciplinary low vision rehabilitation program.
Dr. Williams trained at the New York Lighthouse under the mentorship of Dr. Eleanor Faye, M.D., who coined the term “low vision” and was a leading educator and clinician in the field. Recognized as a national leader in low vision care, Dr. Williams has dedicated his 30-year career to helping individuals with low vision.
In 1991, we launched the Seeing Is Believing program, providing free diagnostic exams and optical devices to children with low vision in Illinois schools. This specialized outreach program is fully funded by grants and generous donations, with key support from The Lions of Illinois Foundation, Chicago White Sox Charities, the Richard A. Perritt Charitable Foundation.
In 1995, we established our Access Technology program, introducing the latest adaptive technology for individuals with vision loss. This initiative was made possible through a “SightFirst” grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).
By 1997, we collaborated with a local certified driver rehabilitation program to develop a driving protocol for individuals needing telescopic glasses to meet state criteria for a restricted driver’s license. To date, we have helped more than 500 individuals with vision impairments acquire or retain this specialized license, ensuring they meet the visual requirements and possess the necessary skills to be safe drivers.
In 2002, following a successful $2 million capital campaign, we moved to our new facility—a yellow house known as the Deicke “House of Hope.”
That same year, we began our Residency Program in collaboration with the Illinois College of Optometry and the Chicago Lighthouse, training new optometry doctors in low vision rehabilitation. We take pride in the nearly 30 doctors who have completed this program and now work throughout the country, providing essential services to children and adults with vision loss.
In 2008, we became known as Spectrios Institute for Low Vision. The name “Spectrios” reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive care, with “Spec” signifying our full spectrum of services under our treatment modality and “trios” representing our triad philosophy of “head, heart, and eye.”
By 2015, we expanded our services to include Occupational Therapy, helping individuals adapt to their visual challenges. This addition is vital to our comprehensive approach, empowering clients to enhance their quality of life and regain confidence in their daily routines. Occupational therapy for vision loss teaches adaptive strategies and techniques to maximize remaining vision.
Today, our Board of Directors is led by Chairman Peter Whinfrey, who, despite his vision loss, is a powerful leader advancing our mission. Since its inception, Spectrios Institute for Low Vision has continued the legacy of our founders by providing visual rehabilitation programs that transform the lives of children and adults with permanent vision loss.