From Near-Fatal Accident to a Life-Changing Career
Elizabeth Tincher’s journey to becoming a Vision Therapist with Dr. Rick Graebe, FCOVD, in Versailles, KY, began nearly 25 years ago in the aftermath of a catastrophic car accident. In 1994, as a 19-year-old student at the University of Kentucky, Elizabeth was left fighting for her life. A torn aorta, a severe brain injury, and a mere 3% chance of survival were among the grave outcomes she faced after the accident. Elizabeth’s medical team of 21 specialists placed her in a drug-induced coma for a month to allow her body to heal. When it was time to bring her out of the coma, doctors warned her parents that she might never fully recover mentally.
Defying all odds, Elizabeth woke up and asked her preacher a profound question: “Why did this happen to me?” His answer—that good things would come from this ordeal—proved prophetic. However, her recovery was long and demanding. Elizabeth endured six months of physical therapy, followed by over a year of speech therapy. Her facial injuries required reconstructive surgery, including titanium implants for her cheekbone and eye socket. Despite these efforts, her right eye remained 70% impaired, making a significant impact on her depth perception.
Challenges and New Beginnings
Although her health complications altered her initial career aspirations, Elizabeth was determined to return to college and pursue nursing. Unfortunately, due to her limited depth perception, the detailed work of nursing—particularly tasks involving needles—proved too dangerous. While considering her next steps, Elizabeth’s life took an unexpected and joyous turn. Despite being told as a teenager that she would never have children due to endometriosis, she soon found herself expecting. She went on to have two children: Kenzington, now 20, and Collin, 18.
For the next 12 years, Elizabeth focused on raising her children. In 2008, she returned to the University of Kentucky, earning a degree in education. This led her to a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher, where she was able to make a difference in children’s lives each day. However, last summer, a conversation with her former college roommate, Jennifer Lord, now a Vision Therapist at Dr. Graebe’s Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, opened her eyes to a new opportunity.
A New Path in Vision Therapy
In September, Elizabeth joined Dr. Graebe’s team as a Vision Therapist. Her personal experiences with visual impairments gave her an authentic perspective on the effectiveness of Vision Therapy (VT). She now works to help children overcome vision-related challenges similar to her own. As someone who has firsthand experience with visual impairment, Elizabeth has become a passionate advocate for VT.
“After 24 years, I can finally read with my right eye,” she shared. “Vision Therapy has built new pathways from my eye to my brain. Everything I heard about Vision Therapy is happening for me.” Through her role, she has also gained insights into why some of her former students struggled with reading, despite all the strategies she employed as a teacher.
Making a Difference in the Lives of Children in Central Kentucky
Elizabeth finds deep satisfaction in her role, knowing that she’s making a lasting impact on the lives of children in Central and Southern Kentucky. She sees VT as a powerful tool that can help children overcome learning difficulties and achieve their full potential.
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, patients like Elizabeth can access personalized VT programs designed to improve functional vision, enhance focus, and build essential visual skills for reading and learning. The institute is conveniently located in Versailles, KY, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, KY, for patients throughout Southern Kentucky.
Schedule a Vision Therapy Appointment Today
If you or a loved one struggles with visual challenges from a traumatic brain injury, learning difficulty, or similar issues, Vision Therapy could be the answer. Dr. Rick Graebe, a specialist in developmental vision care and neuro-optometric rehabilitation, has dedicated his career to improving the lives of patients through innovative VT programs.
To schedule an appointment at our Versailles or Somerset locations, call us today at 859-879-0089. We’re here to help you or your child build the visual skills needed for a successful future.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.