How The Lighthouse Became Pat’s Partner on Her Vision Loss Journey
Pat K. knew she had found the right place for her vision needs only a few seconds into her appointment with Dr. Kelly Scherer at The Chicago Lighthouse. After months of often feeling dismissed and unheard by other medical professionals, Dr. Scherer not only understood Pat’s diagnosis of a rare retinal disorder, she took the time to ask about how the resulting vision loss was affecting her life.
“She took her time with me,” Pat recalls. “She listened, and she tried to know what my situation was and what I needed as a person.”
From there, Dr. Scherer recommended several other Lighthouse resources including counseling with Dr. Michael Smith, assistive technology training with Patrick Andrade, and having occupational therapist Laura Hayes come into her home to accommodate her vision loss. In every case, she found the same level of care and attention.
“The spirit of, ‘We’re here to help,’ permeates The Lighthouse,” Pat says. She recalls one time when she saw Dr. Kara Crumbliss at an appointment, and, after learning Pat had an advanced degree in art history, the optometrist sent her articles about artists with visual impairments. “I was in disbelief that someone would take the time to do that research.”
Through those experiences, Pat has become deeply involved with The Lighthouse community. She has attended several events, helped plan the Rise to Shine Walk & Run in 2024, and contributed to our many programs and services. For Pat, it’s her way of making sure others have the same positive experience she has had on her vision loss journey.
“I had 70 years of good vision and 40 years of a fulfilling career. It was shocking that I was losing my vision so unexpectedly,” she says. “Vision loss for me has been a journey, and part of that journey has been adjusting to the many changes in my life. I can’t imagine making those adjustments without the help of The Chicago Lighthouse. And, I’m happy to contribute so that The Chicago lighthouse and the Low Vision Clinic can help others who are also living with vision loss.”
If you would like to contribute to The Chicago Lighthouse, please click this link, or contact Lora Nickels at 312-997-3643 or lora.nickels@chicagolighthouse.org.
