To prevent blindness, preserve sight and enhance and extend the quality of vision for all Iowans.
Several years ago we moved the word "prevent" to the front of our name (we were formerly the Iowa Society to Prevent Blindness, Inc.). We did this because Prevent Blindness Iowa is all about prevention. Preventing blindness from glaucoma. Preventing blindness from cataracts. Preventing workplace eye injuries. Preventing Iowans from needlessly losing their sight to all forms of eye disease and injury.
Founded in 1958, Prevent Blindness Iowa is at work in communities in Iowa with sight-saving programs for children, adults and older citizens. Prevent Blindness Iowa is a leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight through public and professional education, early detection, patient services and research.
An estimated 625 Iowans lose their sight each year -- but nearly half of all blindness can be prevented. With the knowledge and skills presently available, the sight of hundreds of Iowans are saved each year. Through our many programs and services, Prevent Blindness Iowa fights to save the precious gift of sight. Our work has a profound impact on adults and children across the state at home, at school, at work and at play.
Prevent Blindness Iowa works to fight vision loss by educating Iowans about eye health and safety. Our media campaigns reach thousands of people annually. Our monthly awareness themes focus on glaucoma, cataracts, sports eye safety, ultraviolet radiation, children’s eye health and safety, diabetic eye disease and more. Last year we distributed over 20,000 pieces of literature and provided unbiased referrals to hundreds of callers.
Our most important work is in community programs across the state that directly affects the visual quality of life for thousands of Iowans each year. In the last year, Prevent Blindness Iowa screened more than 22,000 preschool and school age children to help detect early symptoms of eye problems like amblyopia (lazy eye). Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to preventing loss of sight.
An affiliate of Prevent Blindness America located in Chicago, Illinois and Prevent Blindness Iowa is one of twenty-one affiliates/divisions nationwide. Through Prevent Blindness America’s Fight for Sight research division, Prevent Blindness Iowa helps provide financial support to many researchers each year in hopes of finding the medical breakthroughs that will save sight for those with blinding eye diseases and other conditions.
A volunteer board of directors and committees comprised of medical specialists, distinguished business people, prominent civic leaders and educators develops program standards and policies. The board of directors meets six times a year in addition to committee meetings. More than 200 active volunteers carry out programs, services and special events across the state. Present staffing at Prevent Blindness Iowa include a full-time executive director and development coordinator and a part-time assistant director and vision screening coordinator.
We are a member of Community Health Charities of Iowa, an alliance of Iowa health-related charities that participate in the Combined Federal Campaign and private workplace campaigns.
Prevent Blindness Iowa is a non-profit agency supported by contributions from the public, corporations and foundations, memorial gifts and legacies. No state or federal funds are received.
Show your support!! Make a donation to Prevent Blindness Iowa by calling our office at 515-244-4341 or toll free at 800-329-8782.
Click
here to email your
questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2003 Prevent Blindness Iowa
Last modified:
12/17/04