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Our Mission
To prevent blindness and preserve sight. We do this for Indiana residents through screening, follow-up treatment, education and public awareness. Our vision for all Hoosiers is Sight for Life.
Our History
Prevent Blindness Indiana originated from a society organized in the mid-1940s and became Prevent Blindness America’s (PBA) first affiliate in 1950. In 1981, Marilyn Glick founded the People of Vision (POV) auxiliary to assist Prevent Blindness Indiana in its sight-saving endeavors.
Prevent Blindness Indiana is the only organization in the state of Indiana that trains and certifies community volunteers to conduct vision screenings based on standards set by a national organization whose research has dictated the most effective equipment and protocols to use. Prevent Blindness Indiana is also the only organization that pools data from volunteer groups across the state—to provide a picture of the state of vision health in Indiana. This data collection initiative has been taking place for four for years and has been expanded with the addition of Vision Tracker in 2008. Vision Tracker allows for the collection of measurable data which can then be analyzed and will be useful in further emphasizing the importance of vision screenings and exams.
Our Funding
Prevent Blindness Indiana has conducted programs for younger children, teenagers and adults for nearly 60 years and is an ever-changing organization to meet the needs of the community. PBI does not receive annual government funds, is not a United Way agency and does not charge a fee for its many services. Although PBI has been in existence for 60 years, many in Indiana are unaware of its presence. This is largely due to the fact that many vision screenings occur in schools, and children are less likely to mention the organization behind the screening than the outcome of the screening itself. Even those who are aware of PBI do not necessarily see the need to financially support PBI’s mission as vision health is often not recognized as a prominent health issue until it causes serious or irreversible damage. Due to these reasons, PBI is dependent on the generosity of individuals, corporations, municipalities, foundations, organizations, People of Vision Auxiliary (POV) and its endowment to help establish and carry out its vision for the community.
Special events include:
- Sight for Life Annual Luncheon
- Eye Ball Gala & Awards Dinner
- Moveable Feast—supported by People of Vision Auxiliary
- Most Beautiful Eyes Contest
- Eye Rock: A benefit concert
Visit our YouTube Channel to view our PSA and other PBI videos!
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