Lions Low Vision Clinic

Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) Lions Low Vision Clinic


What is low vision?

  • Low vision is a term used to describe permanent visual impairment that can interfere with a person's daily activities. Children with visual impairment face challenges in school, where great emphasis is placed on learning through printed and visual material.

How does this clinic help children with low vision?

  • The Lions Low Vision Clinic is designed to serve school-age children throughout central and southern Illinois. This clinic brings together Optometrists and Optometric residents from Illinois College of Optometry, with parents and teachers so that valuable feedback and interface can occur regarding the prognosis and use of vision for educational and personal development. This is seldom found in a regular eye exam. Many of the students would not have the financial means or the opportunity in their home areas to obtain such professional services.

Who is eligible?

  • Any child age 0 - 21, enrolled in an educational program may be referred to this clinic by a teacher of the visually impaired, school staff, an optometrist, or an ophthalmologist. Parent referrals are also accepted. Parents are encouraged to collaborate with their child's educational staff about any visual concerns.

How much does it cost to participate?

  • Diagnostic services, optical and low vision devices are provided free of charge to all eligible students through the Lions of Illinois Foundation, for those who qualify.

Where will services be offered?

  • The clinic is held on the campus of Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in the Spring and Fall of each school year.

The Lions Low Vision Clinic is a joint project of the Lions of Illinois Foundation, Illinois College of Optometry, Illinois Eye Institute, and ISVI.

Adjunct support provided by the Blind Children's Foundation of Illinois, Jacksonville Illinois Lions Club, and Mokena Illinois Lions Club.


Project Staff

Tracy Matchinski, O.D.

Illinois Eye Institute of Illinois College of Optometry

Chicago, IL

Derrald Taylor, O.D., M.S.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Illinois Eye Institute of Illinois College of Optometry

Chicago, IL

Michael Zost, O.D.

Illinois Eye Institute of Illinois College of Optometry

Chicago, IL

Geoffrey Goodfellow, O.D.

Illinois Eye Institute of Illinois College of Optometry

Chicago, IL

Jasmine Wells, Low Vision Coordinator

Illinois School for the Visually Impaired

Jacksonville, IL


For further information or to make a referral, please contact:

Jasmine Wells, Low Vision Coordinator

Illinois School for the Visually Impaired

658 E. State Street

Jacksonville, Il 62650

Office Phone:  (217) 479-4434

E-mail:  Jasmine.Wells@illinois.gov