The Chicago Lighthouse and University of Illinois at Chicago Connect for Ophthalmologic Care
Sep 15th, 2020
For Immediate Release
The Chicago Lighthouse and University of Illinois at Chicago Connect for Ophthalmologic Care
The Pangere Partnership for Inherited Retinal Diseases brings two world-class organizations together to provide services for people with low vision.
CHICAGO (September 9, 2020) – The Chicago Lighthouse and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) are now working together to provide best-in-class low vision diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for patients who have inherited retinal diseases that can cause or lead to visual impairment or blindness.
The new Pangere Partnership for Inherited Retinal Diseases will combine The Lighthouse’s vision rehabilitation and treatment programs with UIC’s ophthalmologic expertise. Together, these services will offer patients access to the premier vision care for which both organizations have become renowned.
Through the new alliance, annual appointments to monitor patients’ conditions will be coordinated by the Partnership’s liaisons with UIC’s ophthalmology department. Meanwhile, The Chicago Lighthouse will work with patients on low vision rehabilitation and treatment, assistive technology consultations, occupational therapy, psychological counseling, orientation and mobility training. Together, the two organizations will offer opportunities to participate in groundbreaking therapeutic research.
“The Pangere Center Partnership for Inherited Retinal Diseases will provide patients expert medical diagnosis and management, along with comprehensive low vision support,” said Dr. Janet Szlyk, President and CEO of The Chicago Lighthouse. “Working together, we can help individuals diagnosed with inherited retinal diseases live full, independent lives.”
Dr. Kara Crumbliss, The Chicago Lighthouse’s Vice President of Low Vision Services, will oversee the Pangere Partnership’s vision care services. Dr. Robert Hyde, a Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Specialist in Inherited Retinal Diseases at UIC, will serve as the Partnership’s primary ophthalmologist and eyecare provider.
“The Pangere Partnership for Inherited Retinal Diseases brings together two world-class services” said Dr. R.V. Paul Chan, Department Head, at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) “Our complementary services will help patients manage their condition most effectively, optimize their remaining vision, and provide them access to cutting edge therapies and clinical trials.”
###
About The Chicago Lighthouse
Serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veteran communities through innovative education, rehabilitation, employment, assistive technology, and other programs, The Chicago Lighthouse is one of the nation’s most comprehensive social service organizations. For additional information, visit www.chicagolighthouse.org.
