Chicago Lighthouse Partners with TradeWinds in Expanding Vision Care to NW Indiana
The Chicago Lighthouse - May 1st, 2015
PRESS RELEASE
Dominic Calabrese
(312) 997-3662
dominic.calabrese@chicagolighthouse.org
Chicago Lighthouse Partners with TradeWinds in Expanding Vision Care to NW Indiana CHICAGO
CHICAGO – In a ground breaking development, The Chicago Lighthouse is expanding its world class vision care services to residents of northwest Indiana through an innovative partnership with the TradeWinds social service agency of Merrillville.
The initiative will mark the first time that the 109-year-old agency based on Chicago’s near west side will offer direct services outside of Illinois.
Dr. Tracy Matchinski
Dr. Tracy Matchinski, a Lighthouse vision rehabilitation optometrist, is now accepting new patients for low vision examinations at TradeWinds, located at 3198 E. 83rd Place in Merrillville, one day a month. Depending on need, additional days may be added.
A 1995 graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry, Dr. Matchinski completed her residency at the William Feinbloom Low Vision Rehabilitation Center of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1996. She has been practicing Vision Rehabilitation Care for almost 20 years and has a special interest in pediatric vision rehabilitation.
Dr. Matchinski is ABO Board Certified and a Low Vision Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry. She has lectured both nationally and internationally on low vision rehabilitation.
“We are deeply appreciative to TradeWinds for reaching out to us,” said Dr. Janet Szlyk, Lighthouse president and CEO. “We have been long-time admirers of the marvelous work that it does and look forward with great anticipation to begin offering vision care to their program participants.”
According to Dr. Kara Crumbliss, director of low vision services at The Lighthouse, the new clinic at TradeWinds will offer such services as low vision examinations; recommendations for optical, technological and auditory assistive devices; programs for people with vision loss and occupational therapy services.
“We are thrilled that The Chicago Lighthouse with its unparalleled reputation for quality and comprehensive vision care will begin serving our clients,” said TradeWinds CEO Jon Gold.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call (312) 997-3686.
About The Chicago Lighthouse
The Chicago Lighthouse, whose credo is “Because there is still hope,” was founded in 1906, and is one of the nation’s most comprehensive social service agencies assisting people who are blind, visually impaired, multi-disabled or Veterans. Housed under its roof are the oldest and most prominent vision care and rehabilitation program in the U.S.; a nationally acclaimed school for children with multi-disabilities; a world class employment services program; one of the few remaining clock manufacturing facilities in America; a VA program serving veterans in all 50 states; and a radio station. About TradeWinds Founded in the late 1940’s TradeWinds empowers people with special needs to realize their full potential. The organization, which provides a variety of services in education and rehabilitation, is the past recipient of a Presidential commendation for being the largest rehabilitation center built entirely by volunteers in the United States
