Dr. Kaplan, immediate past chair, has been a practicing physician since 1963.  An ophthalmologist specializing in treatment of retinal diseases, he is a past president of both the Chicago Ophthalmological Society and the Illinois Association of Ophthalmology.  In 1993, Dr. Kaplan was a recipient of an Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Through his referral of patients to The Chicago Lighthouse, Dr. Kaplan became aware, and an ardent supporter, of the wonderful services The Lighthouse provides for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.  He subsequently joined the agency’s board and founded the Professional Advisory Council, a cooperative group of optometrists and ophthalmologists committed to helping The Lighthouse broaden its mission by furthering awareness of the agency among members of the professional eye care community.

“Because of my background and experience, I am delighted to be associated with The Chicago Lighthouse and the vital role it plays in the rehabilitation, education, job training and advocacy for visually impaired individuals,” he said. 

Among Dr. Kaplan's goals as chairman are to assist The Lighthouse in expanding its Low Vision care, boosting its efforts in both job training and placement and promoting community awareness of its services.