Tracy Matchinski

Tracy Matchinski, OD, FAAO is an Associate Professor at the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), where she coordinates Low Vision Rehabilitative Services and teaches courses in vision rehabilitation. She practices clinically at the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind and ICO’s Rosenbloom Center. Her career began post-1996 residency at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, followed by full-time specialization in low vision care.

Educations:

• Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
• Doctorate in Optometry, Illinois College of Optometry (1995)
• Low Vision Rehabilitation Residency, Salus University (1996)

Dr. Matchinski’s research focuses on low vision rehabilitation technology, including electronic magnifiers, pediatric care adaptations, and albinism-related vision challenges. She actively publishes in optometry journals and contributes to textbooks like Essentials of Low Vision Practice (1998) and Low Vision Rehabilitation (2019). Her clinical innovations include customized telescope adaptations for myopia patients.

Her work emphasizes humanitarian optometry: she volunteers globally with VOSH/International, served as its past president, and conducts clinics in underserved communities. Notable awards include the William Feinbloom Low Vision Award (1995) and ICO’s Vision Excellence Award (2020).

Teaching and clinical leadership: oversees ICO’s vision rehabilitation curriculum and lab training. Professional affiliations include the American Academy of Optometry and multiple blindness prevention organizations.

Labs/Teams: Active in ICO’s Rosenbloom Center and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams on rare disorders like ablepharon macrostomia syndrome.