Founded in 1936, the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington ® (POB) is the largest local prevention of blindness agency in the United States. POB is dedicated to improving and preserving sight through services, education, advocacy and innovation.

POB's headquarters are located in Washington, DC, and the organization serves the District of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, Maryland; and northern Virginia.

POB operates two  Look Again® resale shops in Alexandria, VA, and Kensington, MD, whose proceeds benefit sight-saving programs. POB also operates an eyeglasses clinic for its Eyeglasses for the Needy program in northeast D.C. In October 2010, POB opened its Low Vision Learning Center in Alexandria, VA.

Our Mission

The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington ® (POB) is dedicated to the improvement and preservation of sight by providing services, education, advocacy and innovation.

Services

Each year, POB screens 8,000 children for vision loss and strabismus and 5,000 adults for glaucoma. These screening services cover a wide range of needs, sometimes resulting in early detection and treatment that could prevent or slow vision loss. Many children and adults that POB assists do not receive annual physicals and eye exams, which means we provide their only vision assistance.

POB's Eyeglasses for the Needy program provides eyeglasses to thousands of low-income and homeless persons at a nominal fee, and the Low Vision Learning Center provides low vision examinations and low vision rehabilitation.

POB also sponsors the Aging Eye Network, the Macular Degeneration Network and Stargardt's Network that provide public programs and support groups for those living with low vision.

Education

Education for individuals dealing with vision loss is an invaluable resource to help them make the most of their sight. POB regularly sponsors programs that address issues that are important to these individuals as well as their loved ones. POB also facilitates several support groups to give these individuals a venue to learn and share with other individuals facing vision loss.

POB also offers programs to educate the public about eye health and vision loss at events like community health fairs and POB's adult and children's vision screening programs.

Early detection of vision loss gives a person the best chance to prevent blindness and preserve sight. This is why POB  provides the public with the latest eye health and low vision resources to help them make informed decisions. These resources include workshops, speakers, online resources, the Low Vision Learning Center, print publications and media outreach.

Advocacy

Government agencies often provide services for people with vision loss, yet many individuals have difficulty receiving these services. POB has a strong network of people with low vision, their friends and families; staff and volunteers; health care professionals; public health organizations other partners that often come together to advocate for these individuals and connect them with the programs that can help them preserve and improve their sight.

Innovation

POB continually identifies and meets emerging community needs throughprograms and fundraising efforts.

POB has established partnerships with several community organizations to provide more opportunities for eye care and eye health information to the people who need it most. POB also hosts an annual Night of Vision® gala to raise awareness and funds for sight-saving programs. Since 2007, POB has also hosted an annual American Girl Fashion Show to fund POB's children's vision screening programs.