The Plano concept is based on behavioral optometry, which entails the total vision information processing system and its relationship to learning and development.  When problems are identified that relate to vision development, the cause may not necessarily be related to eyesight.  Most people are born with the potential for good eyesight.  However, vision -- the ability to identify, process, and understand what is seen -- is learned and developed, beginning at birth.

Mission

To effectively identify and evaluate those educationally disadvantaged youth with underdeveloped and/or inefficient visual systems.

To remediate those visual problems through a vision therapy program, whose goal is to improve the client's visual information.

Board of Directors

Co-Founders:   Dr. Robert Johnson

                      Dr. Henry R. Moore

 

Co-Chairs:       Mr. Albert Pritchett
                      Mrs. Linda Ford

Secretary:        Dr. Ronald E. Kimmons 

 

Members:

Ms. Delilah Boykin                            Rev. Dr. Michael Burnside
Mrs. Cheribelle W. Byrd                     Mrs. Patricia E. Conner
Mrs. Natalie Henderson-Ray               Dr. Donald Pedro
Mrs. Sandra Williams

 

Emeritus:      

Mr. Edward Brock                               Dr. Louella Douglas
Mrs. Bernadette Gilbert                    Mr. Harry W. Porterfield

Professional Associations

Plano's optometrists are members of the following organizations:

American Optometric Association
Illinois Optometric Associates
National Optometric Association
Optometric Extension Foundation
College of Vision Development
Chicago Central City Optometric Society

 

 

Accolades

"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.

 WORDS OF SUPPORT

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 has not yet been 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.

6/99

Ronald E. Kimmons

Assistant Superintendent, West Harvey-Dixmoor Public Schools, District #147

 

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.

3/99

Dacia Dixon

First Grade Teacher, Brownell Elementary School

Chicago Public Schools

 

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.

10/99

Barbara Ellis

Principal, Bennett Elementary School

Chicago Public School

 

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.

10/99

Elizabeth O'Brien & Lois Raedeke

School Nurse, Nancy B. Jefferson Alternative School

Juvenile Temporary Detention Center

 

When I was 17 years old, I became a vision therapy patient of Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown's.  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.

2/99

Marita Rhoda Simmons

Former Plano Vision Therapy Patient

Current Elementary School Teacher