Visually Impaired Glen Ellyn Resident Finds New Hope Thanks to Chicago Lighthouse Clinic

Ever since she was a child, she had a love for horses.

One of her big thrills in life was going horseback riding in Egypt near the Pyramids.

Then her deteriorating vision, due to a hereditary eye disease called North Carolina macular dystrophy, made riding horses much more difficult.

Still she persisted.

“I couldn’t see a darn thing,” she laughed, “but I had a blast doing it!”

Julie Chapel, however, soon realized that her vision loss was taking a toll on other aspects oher life and she needed help.

“I was embarrassed about my situation and reluctant to ask for assistance,” said Chapel, a resident of suburban Glen Ellyn.

Once she was able to get beyond that, she was referred to Dr. Gerald Fishman, an internationally respected ophthalmologist who now directs The Lighthouse’s Pangere Center. At the time, Dr. Fishman maintained his practice at UIC’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

When Chapel’s vision problems made driving into the city difficult, he suggested that she contact The Lighthouse’s suburban satellite low vision clinics.

At the Elk Grove clinic located in the Alexian Brothers Medical Center, she consulted with Dr. Elise Corgiat, a member of the agency’s acclaimed Sandy and Rick Forsythe Center for Comprehensive Vision Care.
Among other things, Dr. Corgiat recommended a special pair of bioptic telescope glasses that helped enhance what vision Chapel had left.

“I owe a huge debt to Dr. Corgiat and The Chicago Lighthouse for providing me with this life-changing opportunity,” Chapel smiled. “I use to be afraid, but now I have a renewed sense of confidence!”
In addition to the glasses, Dr. Corgiat has recommended other types of magnification devices and suggested classes that Chapel could utilize to learn new skills.

“Julie is a terrific patient because she is a good listener, is driven to succeed at everything she attempts and is willing to try new things,” Dr. Corgiat observed.

Lighthouse President and CEO Dr. Janet Szlyk noted that the Elk Grove clinic that assisted Chapel is especially designed to accommodate people who are coping with vision loss in the northwest suburbs.
Dr. Szlyk added that it is an important part of the agency’s mission to reach out to those individuals in suburban areas that are blind, visually impaired, multi-disabled or Veterans, and who are unable to make the commute to the main clinic in Chicago.

“Every day, we witness inspiring individuals like Julie who work very hard and don’t let their disability prevent them from achieving their goals.”

Dr. Szlyk also extended her appreciation to Dr. George J. Wyhinny of Midwest Retina Consultants for partnering with The Lighthouse to make the Elk Grove clinic a reality.

“We are well aware of The Lighthouse’s reputation for excellence and providing the highest form of quality care,” said Dr. Wyhinny. “We were very pleased to lend our support!”

For her part, Chapel wants to channel her new sense of confidence and renewed hope into a degree in occupational therapy and physical therapy, which she plans to pursue at the College of DuPage. She also wants to look into volunteering at an animal shelter.

“Another goal I have is to resume my love of horseback riding,” she smiled.

For others coping with vision loss or some other disability, Chapel offers strong words of encouragement: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help! There are all kinds of support systems out there like The Chicago Lighthouse and Alexian Brothers that can make a world of difference in your life. Just ask me!”

For more information on The Chicago Lighthouse’s clinic in Elk Grove and at other locations, call 312/997-3686.