Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Clinic's Founding Father Inducted Into National Optometry Hall of Fame

July 7, 2010 - PRLog -- CHICAGO -- Citing his extraordinary contributions to the profession, Dr. Alfred A. Rosenbloom, one of the founders of The Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Rehabilitation Service, was recently inducted into the prestigious National Optometry Hall of Fame.

   Since its inception in 1998, the Hall of Fame has inducted 53 individuals who have made a significant and long-lasting impact on the profession. Inductees are chosen by representatives from the American Academy of Optometry; the American Optometric Association; the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry; the College of Optometrists in Vision Development; and the National Optometric Association.

   "Dr. Alfred Rosenbloom is known for his visionary leadership and contributions in the field of optometric education, especially in the area of low vision, and ICO is proud to see him placed into the National Optometry Hall of Fame," said Dr. Arol Augsburger, president of the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) who inducted Dr. Rosenbloom into the Hall. "Throughout his distinguished career, he was an accomplished teacher, writer, lecturer, and administrator and several generations of optometric students benefitted from his wisdom, insight, integrity and his concern for humankind."

   Dr. Rosenbloom’s career at The Chicago Lighthouse dates back to 1954 at the birth of the Low Vision Clinic. That year he met the legendary Helen Keller, who dedicated the building housing the clinic and was given her first exposure to its low vision devices.

   Currently serving as Chair Emeritus of the Low Vision Clinic, Dr. Rosenbloom has helped the Lighthouse develop as one of the most comprehensive social service agencies in the country.  

   "Dr. Rosenbloom’s Hall of Fame induction is a testament to the quality of care provided by our Low Vision Rehabilitation Service under his exemplary leadership," said Dr. Janet Szlyk, Lighthouse Executive Director.  "His legacy lives in our newly-remodeled Low Vision Clinic and in the countless lives that he has touched. We are privileged to have the expertise of such a highly respected and famed low vision practitioner."

   "His contributions to the field are immense," added current Director of Cilnical Services Dr. Kara Crumbliss.  "He is the founder and foundation of The Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Rehabilitation Service and his induction into the Hall of Fame is most deserved, though we will all say he has been renowned at our clinic for many years!"

   Dr. Rosenbloom’s noteworthy career is marked by major accomplishments as a teacher, writer, lecturer and administrator. Currently, he is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the ICO.  Previously, for a period encompassing 25 years, he served as Dean then President of the college.  His impact has reached global proportions-- completing dozens of eye missions to foreign countries and establishing low vision clinics in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Nepal.

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About The Chicago Lighthouse:
Founded in 1906, the Lighthouse is one of the nation’s most comprehensive social service agencies. Housed under its roof are the oldest and most prominent low vision clinic in the U.S.; one of the few remaining clock manufacturing facilities in America; a state-of-the-art store that’s been specially designed for the benefit of shoppers who are blind or visually impaired; a nationally acclaimed school for children with multi-disabilities; a VA program serving veterans in all 50 states; and a radio station. For further information, please contact us at (312) 666-1331.