Many people have misperceptions about eye health and vision care. Prevention of Blindness Services focuses on community educational programs which encourage participants to make their vision a priority and free vision screenings for children and adults to identify vision problems as soon as possible.

Community Educational Programs

Good eye health is important at any age. The growing incidence of macular degeneration due to an increase in diabetes, for example, now poses a pressing health concern for people aged 65 or better. The agency’s community educational programs are designed to educate the public about eye safety and eye health, increase the public’s understanding and respect for people who are blind or visually impaired, and to dispel myths about blindness.

Agency staff are available to present programs at health fairs, senior citizen centers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, schools and other community locations. Staff will also conduct sensitivity trainings for workers who interact with blind and visually impaired clients, customers, and co-workers. Call 610-866-8049, x. 222 in Northampton County or 570-992-7787 in Monroe County to arrange an educational program or sensitivity training.

Vision Screenings

Did you know that 90% of what a child learns comes through the visual system? This means that the earlier an eye disorder is detected, the sooner the child can have his/her sight corrected. A child with low vision will experience little success in school until the problem is addressed.

Agency staff visit area pre-schools and schools to conduct free vision screenings for children. Call 610-866-8049, x. 222 in Northampton County or 570-992-7787 in Monroe County to arrange a vision screening for children or adults.