John’s Vision for Fewer Barriers and Greater Independence

In his 30s, John Hartline was an avid and competitive tennis player, who reveled in the thrill of playing on the court. At least, until he had trouble following the ball. Facing vision issues at a relatively young age, John visited several specialists and was eventually diagnosed with rod-cone dystrophy. 

With that diagnosis, John’s physicians said there was very little they could do to halt his vision-loss progression. Rather, they said he would have to learn to live as someone who is vision impaired. That is the moment John turned to The Chicago Lighthouse. 

Working with specialists in The Lighthouse’s Low Vision Clinic, including Dr. Fred Collison and Dr. Kara Crumbliss, John works continuously to accommodate his vision loss, which now primarily impacts his low-light and contrast vision. He is still able to drive in daylight, which gives him the freedom to travel during the day, and he uses a magnifier to read small print.  

Recently retired, John is using his lived experience to help find pathways for others who become vision impaired by focusing his time, energy and financial support on The Lighthouse’s efforts. In 2026, John will serve as board chair for Chicago Lighthouse Industries, continue his personal philanthropic support and host an event to introduce his own network to our mission. 

John’s passion to help is motivated by a simple question that is close to his heart: “How can we make the friction of life easier for those with vision impairment?” asks John. “It takes an inordinate amount of time and effort to do something the rest of us take for granted, whether that is commuting to work or reading a prescription bottle.”  

You too can get involved at The Chicago Lighthouse as a donor or volunteer. To learn more, please reach out to Lora Nickels, Senior Director of Individual Giving at lora.nickels@chicagolighthouse.org.