Public Education and Prevention of Blindness

It is not surprising that if someone grows up believing that blind people are helpless and dependent on others, he himself is likely to become helpless and dependent when age-related vision loss strikes.

For this reason, we teach children from a very young age that blindness can be overcome with proper training and frame of mind. Additionally, they learn to protect their precious gift of sight through a variety of fun and age-appropriate learning media such as the Vision Quest and Treasure In Sight education programs.

Perhaps more importantly, since early detection and treatment of eye problems can prevent irreversible sight loss, we offer free vision screenings for preschool aged children, as well as for adults.  On average, each year the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind vision screens 5,000 preschoolers so that vision problems can be remedied before they begin their formal education.  In addition, hundreds of adults and seniors are screened for symptoms of macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other age-related eye diseases.