John Cronin is a 26-year old entrepreneur who happens to have Down syndrome and keratoconus.

Below is an excerpt of John’s journey with KC, written by John’s dad, Mark:

“We do not know when John started developing KC. John did not complain about problems with his eyesight. That is not to say that he did not have problems seeing.

The challenge is particular to people with different abilities. They are always adapting. They are always finding a way to make do. Therefore, they are less likely to identify a problem because they are working around it.

We were fortunate because an astute teacher recognized that John struggled to see writing on the blackboard and certain signs and images. We also grew concerned at home as we noticed John squinting to focus his eyes.

We took John to see an ophthalmologist. They said John might have an astigmatism and suggested John sit closer to the blackboard and he prescribed glasses with mild corrective lenses.

The problem persisted. We needed a second opinion.

We took John to see a second ophthalmologist, who diagnosed his KC. That doctor gave John a prescription for thick, hard contact lenses that might help with his vision and would hopefully slow the degeneration of his eyes.

The contacts could slow down, but not halt the degeneration. John needed a longer-term solution. The second ophthalmologist declared that John would not be a good candidate for the additional interventions, including corneal cross-linking (CXL), and would not be receptive to a cornea transplant because of his Down syndrome.

We eventually found Dr. Ostrovsky, who gave John the most thorough eye exam he had ever received. She confirmed the diagnosis of KC. She was angry that his previous doctor had said John was not a candidate for certain interventions. She could see his responsiveness, competence, and level of responsibility.

Unfortunately, the condition had degenerated John’s eyes so that he could only be treated in the right eye. The missed diagnosis and erroneous treatment had cost John.

John underwent a successful CXL treatment. If it does worsen, John will need to undergo a cornea transplant.

John remains optimistic, and we continue to seek the best outcome in treating his KC.”

More about John Cronin:

Together with his father Mark, John created John’s Crazy Socks, a social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness. More than half their employees have a differing ability. John serves as the Chief Happiness Officer of John’s Crazy Socks.

John is a Special Olympic athlete, a keynote speaker and advocate for the rights of people with differing abilities. He has testified twice before the U.S. Congress and spoken at the United Nations. He serves on the Board of the National Down syndrome Society and is a member of the CEO Commission for Disability Employment. John has been named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

John is a graduate of Huntington High School and Wilson Tech. John has worked at a law firm and summer camp. He is an avid dancer and passionate fan of the Mets and Jets.