SIGHTS FOR HOPE

The agency’s Low Vision Care services include functional exams by an optometrist who specializes in helping people with severe vision loss and a variety of assistive devices for purchase. Both of its locations also have a store with devices that assist people with visual impairments conduct daily activities.

The agency has provided its guided transport service for its clients with vision loss since the 1970s. This service provide access to medical care, groceries, and agency services that counteract isolation and improve quality of life. Approximately 60% of the agency's escorted clients are ages 65 and up, and approximately 80% are from low-income households.

The guided transport service is “door-through-door,” which means that the agency's specially-trained drivers guide clients from their homes and into their destinations. When it is necessary, drivers provide additional assistance – such as helping to read paperwork or carrying bags into clients’ homes.

The agency's skills education services are provided in group and one-on-one sessions and empower people with visual impairments to increase their self-sufficiency.

Rehabilitative Skills
Clients learn how to use their existing vision most effectively and how to apply specific functional techniques. Skills taught include kitchen safety, the preparation and cooking of meals, the completion of checks and forms, personal organization, and adjustments to in-home lighting. All sessions are presented by vision rehabilitation therapist (VRT) certified by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP).

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Skills
Clients learn how to understand their surroundings and how to navigate between familiar locations. All sessions are presented O&M specialist who are ACVREP-certified.

Technology Skills
Clients explore present-day and emerging technologies that improve their quality of life. Sessions also help clients gain a deeper understanding of the use of the devices they use.

Elemental Life Skills
Clients learn critical non-physical skills of daily life. Examples of topics include financial planning, fraud protection, voting, meditation, and mindfulness.

Skills Education for Youth
Programs for kids with vision impairments are designed to teach them how to function independently as adults. We hope to introduce additional programs in the future. The agency's Camp I CAN! summer program is held annually for kids ages 7-13.

The agency offers a variety of educational programs for preschool kids, students, adults, and professionals. Its C. Well Bunny Goes to School presentation introduces preschool children to basic concepts about eye health and safety. During some of his adventures, C. Well is joined by friends Dr. Optical and Miss Illusion. The Low Vision Road Show shows audiences the specialized services that are available to people affected by vision loss. The Eyes in the Library presentation encourages students to discover the similarities and differences between human and animal eyes. The Doing Things Differently presentation helps professionals interact effectively in their workplaces with visually impaired patients, customers, and clients.

Sights for Hope conducts thousands of free vision screenings for children ages 6 months and up to age 6 refers hundreds of children for additional care by medical professionals. When one of these children finds their vision improved, they literally are able to see a new world of possibilities.

Screenings are conducted at preschools, daycare centers, kindergarten registrations, and other appropriate venues such as community health fairs and libraries. The agency is particularly sensitive to the needs of low-income children and provides screenings in many locations which have a high proportion of disadvantaged children.

Screeners use the state-of-the-art SPOT vision screening equipment by Welch Allyn, a camera-like device which uses a non-invasive laser to take a reading of the child’s visual acuity. The SPOT can screen a child’s eyes in five (5) seconds or less and the equipment is extremely accurate in determining eye conditions including near and farsightedness; astigmatism; strabismus; and amblyopia, a condition that can lead to blindness if not detected and treated early enough in a child’s life. The SPOT equipment also is especially effective to use for children who are autistic or have other disabilities or language problems. The parent or guardian of a child referred for medical care receives computer printing of the screening results that can be shared with an eye care professional.

The agency offers a variety of peer support groups for its clients with permanent vision loss. Support Groups give clients opportunities to express needs and concerns, participate in problem solving, and share resources in environments of openness, respect, encouragement, and trust.

The agency's socialization and recreation activities help clients with vision loss remain active, execute skills and techniques that they have learned, connect with those who face similar challenges, and avoid the harmful effects of isolation.

The agency's caseworkers guide clients with vision loss to services that meet their goals, monitor client progress, arrange for one-on-one instruction, make referrals, and provide counseling as necessary.
Caseworkers also conduct home visits, during which they can help clients read mail, write checks, manage finances, complete forms, and perform basic home repairs to ensure safety.