Accolades

WORDS OF SUPPORT

My oldest son was diagnosed with a visually related learning disability when he was in the second grade.  We were referred to Plano Child Development Center and after consulting Dr. Johnson-Brown and having Marcus tested, we were comforted to know exactly what the problem was and the solution to that problem.  Marcus began vision therapy with Plano.

Once I had an understanding of Marcus' problem, I began working with him at home on a daily basis, administering the vision therapy exercises that he needed to help improve his vision problem.  We spent at least 15 minutes every day, without missing one day, doing the vision therapy exercises.  Marcus improved very quckly, and I was asked to help teach other parents how to administer the home vision therapy procedures with their children.  I learned to conduct vision screenings and workshops and perform many administrative tasks.

Marcus is fluent in Japanese and is now a computer expert for an American-based company located in Yokosuka, Japan.  For a child who started out being unable to read, he has beome an independent and productive adult.  I cannot thank Plano enough for the hlep they have given my son.

Thank you Plano and Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown for your vision in helping so many children who suffer with visually related learning disabilities.
     Shelby J. Beverly, Parent, Plano Vison Therapy Patient, 2008

Thank you so much for helping Sam reach his academic potential.  I did not understand how he could be such a great detail-oriented artist yet write so illegibly so often.  As his optometrist and his mother who has been giving him his eye exams since birth, I knew he could see 20/20 at a distance and at near.  Sam's test scores were very inconsistent yet his vocabulary, spelling and language comprehension were very advanced.

I had Sam's hearing tested, hearing comprehension tested, a psychological evaluation and a complete physical exam with blood work.  All the tests came back that Sam was a normal healthy child who enjoyed being the class comedian.

Dr. Stephanie explained that Sam has clear vision but that his visual perception was not clear.  What came out of Sam's mind to the paper with regards to his artwork was easy but what came from the paper (school work) to his mind was hard.  With his new glasses that helped him focus on his schoolwork and what skills he has learned at Plano, Sam has made great academic strides.  For the first time ever, Sam made the honor roll in 6th grade!

During the 9 months of twice weekly vision therapy, along with the home vision therapy when we could fit it in around his soccer practice, trumpet practice and homework schedule, things started to change!  We all could read his handwriting better.  His math scores improved as he could line up the numbers in columns better to arrive at the correct answer.  He seemed more focused on his homework and class work.  There were less behavior notes coming home from school.  Sam's test scores in all subjects improved.

We all knew he was an intelligent child but not performing at his fullest potential.  We are so proud of Sam for completing the VT and doing so well in school.

Thank you Dr. Stephanie, Plano and staff for helping change the path of yet another child's future.
     Dr. Cynthia Reynolds-Temple, Parent, Plano Vison Therapy Patient, 2008


Once again, the board of directors, families and staff wish to thank you for coming out and working with our children.  As y ou know, many of our children have no health insurance and are in need of services like yours to find out their health needs and address them early.  With the public schools requiring eye exams, now your servies are even more valuable and helped our school aged, as well as pre-school children.  Many of the children you saw needed glasses or futher medical attention, and I am certain they would not have been diagnosed without you.

Your value to us goes beyond our children, however, the workshops that you offer to our staff and parents help all of us to know the difference between sight and vision.  You have helped my staff become more aware of the symptoms of poor vision.  Parents who have attended the Plano workshops or talked to your staff have expressed their gratitude for learning how important vision is.  You have helped them to learn that poor vision is not something that a child "outgrows".  The children are so proud when they get their new glasses and are so excited that they can finally see their world clearly.

Thank you for what you and the Plano staff do for the children of Community Mennonite Early Learning Center and their families.  We look foward to seeing you next year.
     Jacqueline Smizer, MEd. Director, Community Mennonite Early Learning Center, 2008

During the 2007-2008 school year, our center has been part of a pilot vision care information program.  Through the program, the awareness of vision as it relates to learning and behavior has increased among our staff and parents.  We have found this program to be a great asset to our child care center.

We look forward to our continued participation through scheduled workshops, observation and vision evaluations in the months ahead.
     Tanya Staggers, Head Teacher, Ezzard Charles School, Montessoir Nursery and Day Care Center, 2008


Plano Child Development Center was an awesome externship site.  Not only did I get a chance to see the routine primary eye care and contact lens fits, but I also experienced a facet of optometry that many of us do not get to see often, Behavioral Optometry.  Dr. Stephanie taught me a ton about evaluating the entire patient.  The rapport that she has with her patients is unbelieveable.  The stie is a not-for-profit office located in the inner city of Chicago, and provides a more-than-needed service where patients even commute from the suburbs for Plano's services.

Along with Dr. Stephanie Johnson and Dr. Joseph McCray, Jr., each doctor was receptive and open to teaching me everything they themselves wished a senior O.D. would have taught them when they were young doctors starting out.

Not only did Dr. Stephanie and the entire Plano Child Development Center give me a model to take back to the rural areas of Alabama, they taught me to incorporate the entire patient into eye care.  They also provided me with a home away from home, and taught me the meaning of being a part of the optometric field.
     Kayla Vickers, Extern, University of Alabama, Birmingham School Of Optometry, 2008


Thirty years ago my daughter was referred to Plano because of the results of a vision screening she received at her preschool.

Dr. Stephanie Johnson prescribed various therapy techniques that were practiced over the next year.  These techniques not only helped improve her vision but also her eye-hand coordination, concentration and attention span.

During her school years she was frequently on the Honor Roll and always a better than average student.  She is now a Special Education Teacher in the St. Louis school system.  I credit Plano and Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown with helping set her on the right track.

EARLY DETECTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION WORKS!!
     Mrs. Johnetta Sturdivant, Parent, Plano Vison Therapy Patient, 2007


It has been nearly 30 years and I still remember many of the techniques and therapies in which I participated.  I have nearly perfect vision in my right eye but was declared legally blind, now probably visually impaired, in my left eye.  To this day, many exclaim in surprise at the vast difference of the two measurements of vision.

I remember visits to the clinic to do my therapy, some techniques were duplicated at home, but I will never forget jumping on the trampoline and reading the eye chart or playing pon on Atari to work on my tracking.  Some things weren't as fun, reading through grayscale plastic lenses and even through 3-D lenses, these things were simply work.  Then there were the eye exercises that my parents did with me at home -- "eye homework" is what I remember it being.  Lastly, I also remember wearing an eye patch to provide practice using the weaker eye and that was simply interesting pretending to be a pirate.

I may never have 20/20 vision but thanks to Dr. Johnson-Brown and the Plano Child Development Center, I have better vision then I would have had on my own.  I have yet to feel that any optometrist or opthamologist has been as thorough in my eye care and health as Dr. Johnson-Brown and the Plano staff was and I am grateful for the help that they provided me.
     Stacy M. Sturdivant, Patient, 2007


Aaron Roper came to Plano Child Development Center as a preschooler because he was having eye coordination and vision problems.  He is currently enrolled in the vision therapy program.  Since beginning vision therapy, Aaron sees things better, his handwriting and drawings are better and he can put small puzzles together.  I feel this type of service should be in every school and pre-school to help children at a young age so when they get older they won't have problems with homework or everyday life.  Sight and vision are important, and together they help to make life wonderful.
     Ethl Larry, Parent, Plano Vison Therapy Patient, 2007


We here at Community Mennonite Early Learning Center would like to thank you for the opportunity to work with our staff conducting vision education workshops, and for providing our parents with the service of vision exams for their children.  We have gotten many thanks from parents whose children needed glasses and were able to receive them regardless of their income.
     Cathy Bijou, Assistant Director, Community Mennonite, 2007


Legacy Charter School staff supports Plano as part of comprehensive, holistic services for children and families in north Lawndale as well as the City of Chicago.  It is very challenging to get quality evaluations and resources for our children.  We are happy to have connected with Plano, as it not only can support our children and families, but also our teachers in understanding the visual learning needs our children face.

Plano's approach is important because it combines teacher education of the scope of vision issues and possible pedagogical responses with vision evaluations and therapy for young people.  Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown led a professional development session with our staff last Friday that was cogent and meaningful.  Educators desperately need access to information about the types of visual impairments that can go unnoticed in a traditional eye doctor's exam, yet so dramatically impact learning.

Plano provides a great resource and we look forward to further collaboration on behalf of our children.
     Lisa Kenner, Principal, Legacy Charter School, 2007


Here at Bray Temple Day Care Center, we had several parents to express concern regarding their child's vision.  We also have had several children identified by Plano that were in need of glasses and/or vision therapy.

When a child's needs have been identified we must make every effort to provide quality services which will meet those identified needs.  Therefore, I highly recommend that the partnership between The Department of Children and Youth Services and Plano Child Development Center be extended in order to sufficiently meet the needs of children who have been identified.   
     Deidre Walton, Social Service Worker, Bray Temple Day Care, 2005


In 1981, Plano became a blessing to my family.

My son Charles, age eleven, had been diagnosed as having learning disabilities.  His prescription eyeglasses were to help improve his ability to function in school but, he was not making progress.  His productivity was decreasing.  A friend suggested to me that I make an appointment for him at Plano for a thorough eye examination.

At Plano, following an impressive visual testing program, Dr. Robert L. Johnson explained to me that Charles did not have learning disabilities, but that he did have visual problems that Plano could help to correct.  He began a series of vision therapy sessions.  The homework assignments were the biggest part of the therapy. 

After a few months, I noticed considerable improvement in Charles' school work assignments and grades.  In less than a year, he became independent in doing his homework.

I had asked Dr. Stephanie; at what age should a child be tested for vision?  She said, "as early as three years old".  Years later, when my son Calvin was three, I had him tested at Plano.  It turned out that he had the same visual issues as Charles.

I was happy that was caught early and I didn't have to go through the same school issues with him.  Calvin needed only a few months of vision therapy.  He reads at grade level and tests without difficulty. 
     Z. Slater Walden, Parent, Plano Vison Therapy Patient, 2003


A tribute is owed to Dr. Sherald Leonard, Mosea's pediatrician for referring Mosea to Plano.  Mosea's visual difficulties became apparent about two years ago when he was a 5-year old kindergartener.  Mosea would blink in a persistent and rapid manner.  Dr. Leonard recognized Mosea's symptoms -- the blinking coupled with coordination issues -- and she recommended occupational therapy along with a developmental eye exam.  It was then that she referred us to Plano.  Mosea was examined, evaluated and given a development program, which included therapeutic exercises to be administered both at home and at Plano.  Mosea has done a 360-degree swing in both his fine and gross motor skills.  This is most apparent in his handwriting.  We are extremely grateful and thank God for the work at Plano.  We feel that their work will help our son reach his academic potentials.
     Mosea and Schena Harris, Parents, Plano Vison Therapy Patient, 2002


Plano has been a vital resource to my family.  My daughter, Diann, has been under your care for the last year in vision therapy.  She has reached all the goals that we have set thus far for her.  As Diann's skills developed, we continually do the vision therapy homework lessons that we have been given.  She has done well enough to conclude therapy.

Plano helped our family by being emotionally and financially supportive.  My husband and I did not know how we could incorporate Diann's sessions into our budget.  The medical insurance that we currently have did not compensate for any sessions, and we had to work with the sliding fee scale provided to us.  We sold raffle tickets and encouraged others to donate.  Although we encountered this financial hardship, we placed our faith in God and He has shown favor in our lives to pay for the sessions needed for our daughter's development.

Dr. Stephanie, you and your staff work hard each day to ensure that the children you service develop the skills they need to become successful in school.  My family and I thank you and your staff from the bottoms of our hearts!  Phillippians 4:13 of the Bible states, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me."  Truly this is a testament in which Diann can attribute to her future development, thanks to your support.

May God Bless you and your staff!
     Mrs. Darlene V. Jones, Parent, Plano Vison Therapy Patient, 2002



On behalf of the staff and participants of the Smart Talk Parental Training Program, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your seminar on "Vision and How It Relates To Learning."

Your knowledge and experience in the area of vision helped make the contents of the seminar adequate and helpful.  Our parents and staff were impressed by the manner in which the seminar was conducted.  Your ability to disseminate vital information in a clear, precise and professional manner was conducive to the positive aura of the seminar.

The information and activities you presented are essential to the growth and development of our parents and children.  We look forward to working with you again this school year.
     Melinda Monroe, Program Coordinator, Smark Talk, 2002


There is no question that the Center has made a major difference in the lives of countless of thousands of young people.  The Plano Center is the epitome of what the OEP Foundation has stood for over the years:  People Serving People. I am proud to call you, your father and all who serve through the Plano Center friends and colleagues.

OEP wishes you many more years of success.   
     Robert A. Williams, Executive Director, Optometric Extension Program, 2002



I developed eye problems at an early age.  For a very long time I didn't know why I couldn't see the board at school.  My mother finally recognized my problem and got me glasses.  Even though they improved my vision, I still had problems in school.

Then I came to Plano's eye Therapy.  Once I began there, I did a lot better in school.  My grades have improved from what they used to be.  All the work was worth it to get a better understanding.  In the end, I was the one who benefitied.
     Susan Randle, Patient, 2001

As a former and current patient, Theresa a 4th grader came to Plano not able to read well and make the letter "C" face the correct way.  She did not have much self-esteem, low focusing and showed little interest.  After being referred by Kich Elementary School (Harvey Dixmoor District 147), she received vision therapy.  She has come a long, long way, thanks to Plano.

After many, many continuous trips through the rain and snow, Plano staff was always there to give their support.  With such an abundance of tools for the children, Plano has shown a good interest in the productive and mental ability of the patient.

As a result of being a referred patient, she has progressed so well.  Plano is a clinical facility that I would recommend to the highest promotional range for vision therapy.  I hope that this service continues to be available for as many school students as possible.
     Ruth Bates, Parent, Plano Vison Therapy Patient, 2001


For the past eight years Plano Child Development Center has helped the students of Brownell develop good vision perception skills which help to enhance their ability to process information.  These skills are fundamental to learning and an integral part of the eduational process at our school.  Dr. Johnson and her staff have provided vision and perceptual analysis exams, consultants for follow-up vision therapy, and eyeglasses for needy students.  Our school has been fortunate to have found a local benefactor, Quam-Nichols, who helps to underwrite this program.  I only hope that other schools may have the opportunity to avail themselves of your services.

     George S. Huff, Principal, Brownel Elementary School, 2000

 

Sterling was unable to focus on his schoolwork for long and his drawings and fine motor skills seemed underdeveloped.  In first grade he was falling more behind grade level in reading and writing.  We began the process of having him evaluated.  In talking with colleagues, three of them shared success, "miracle like experiences", their children had with you.  After your evaluation of Sterling the visual deficits you found were so drastic and yet you were so definite that he could be helped and that his underdeveloped sensory motor integration skills, especially in the visual areas could be developed. 

 

I was somewhat doubtful and I had Sterling evaluated by a psychologist.   Her findings in the visual areas showed the same deficits except she could offer me nothing more than a "504" plan.  I told her about you and she was delighted that I had already found the kind of resource Sterling needed.  She had heard of your successes as well.  Since Sterling has been coming to Plano for vision therapy in November 1999 his writing has improved remarkably.  He has so much more fun and confidence in his drawing also.  His teacher told me he read an entire book outloud to the class recently.  I cannot help recommending you and Plano to parents of the many children I interview as a school nurse.  I am so grateful we found you when we did and the help that we needed could be initiated early.

     Terry Nelder, Parent, Plano Vision Therapy Patient, 2000

 

I wanted to thank you and your staff for the overwhelming academic and attitudinal progress my son, Jerod McNeil, has made as a result of vision therapy at Plano.  I hope his success encourages you to seek more extensive ways of makng the training available to elementary school students.  I am certain there are countless children like Jerod who need individualized analysis to pinpoint learning disabilities that can be overcome with individualized programs.

 

Before Plano 1997 - 2nd Grade                             After Plano 1999 - 4th Grade

Low self-esteem                                                 High self-esteem

Dislikes school/apprenhensive about new things     Enjoys school and new challenges

Below grade level in reading                                 Readig at grade level

Could not stay focused/little interest                      Focused and trying hard

Disturbed class (falling out of seat)                        "A" in conduct

School test revealed learning disability in several    No longer ges to learning disability

 pertinent areas                                                   counselor for reading, stays in room

                                                                          with classmates.

 

We must all take the necessary meaures to do what's best for our children and your program has been a wise investment.  I wish you continued success.

     Jeanette McNeil, Parent, Plano Vison Therapy Patient, 2000

 

Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown and her staff have been involved here in Harvey-Dixmoor School District #147 in a long-term pilot program, "Modified Remedial Reading." This program utilizes a reading specialist who provided remedial reading and "enhanced vision therapy" to students who have been identified (through an initial vision screening and vision examination by an optometrist) as being in need of a combination of the services mentioned above.  The program recognizes the basic need to detect and treat vision problems as part of the process of providing meaningful remediation of students' reading difficulties.  A final report of the effectiveness of this long-term project will be completed.  However, preliminary results suggest that more than half of all students receiving services through the project have shown remarkable gains on a standardized achievement test in the area of reading.  These gains in most instances could not have been made without the services of Plano Vision Development Center.
     Ronald E. Kimmons, Assistant Superintendent, West Harvey-Dixmoor Public Schools, District #147, June, 1999

 

As a former parent who had a child in the program and as an educator who has students in the program, I would highly recommend the Plano Vision Therapy Program to all schools, pre-school programs and hospitals.  The effects and results of the program enhances the educational process, increases parental involvement, as well as increasing the self-esteem of participating students.  Brownell (Elementary School) has also seen an increase in test scores as well as being able to identify those students in need of eyewear.  The accolades of Dr. Stephanie R. Johnson-Brown and Plano's Vision Therapy Program are ongoing.  The integration of vision therapy in the curriculum represents the total education process and educates the whole child.
     Dacia Dixon, First Grade Teacher, Brownell Elementary School, Chicago Public Schools, 1999

 

During the Summer Bridge Program, Plano provided services for our students.  It came to our attention that many of our students needed glasses.  Some of our students, however, had vision problems that could not be remedied with glasses only.  Those students needed vision therapy, which Plano had the expertise to provide.  I feel that the services that Plano provides are very beneficial to the students in our system.  The wide range of services they provide made the difference in the number of students that were successful during our summer school program.

     Barbara Ellis, Principal, Bennett Elementary School, Chicago Public School, 10/99

 

As the school nurses at Nancy B. Jefferson Alternative School, we want to thank you for the superior services of Dr. Stephanie R. Johnson-Brown and her staff.  So many of our students were effectively serviced with screening, eye examinations and corrective lenses.  The prompt filling of prescriptions was a first at our school, which services incarcerated youth between the ages of 10 and 17 years.

     Elizabeth O'Brien & Lois Raedeke, School Nurse, Nancy B. Jefferson Alternative School, Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, 1999

 

When I was 17 years old, I became a vision therapy patient of Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown.  She took a special interest in me and taught me about the wonderful world of vision care.  Because of her help, I am a graduate of St. Xavier University and now teach school.  I would like to personally thank Dr. Stephanie and the Plano Family for all the love and support they have given me throughout the years.

Marita Rhoda Simmons, Former Plano Vision Therapy Patient, Current Elementary School Teacher, 2/99

"He was failing his classes and totally unfocused until he came to Plano.  After receiving his glasses in February 1999, he went from near the bottom of the class to the top three!"  A. B.