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Guide: Consumer Organizations

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Consumer organizations provide an opportunity for persons who are blind or visually impaired (and in some cases their family members) to participate in the organization’s mission and stay connected with information and accessible services.
  • Most organizations hold regular conferences full of informative and helpful updates on the latest research and services available.
  • Some organizations exist for specific eye diseases. See “Disease-Specific” for these groups.
  • Local and university libraries, and the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health may also be a helpful resource to find more organizations and educational material.
 

Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss (AAVL)
Website: www.aavl-blind-seniors.org/

Nonprofit focuses on concerns of persons with sight loss later in life. Resources and tips available.

American Association for People with Disabilities
Phone: 202-521-4316 Website: www.aapd.com/

Cross-disability rights organization advocates for full civil rights for all Americans with disabilities.

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Eye Center
Website: www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/eye-center/?intcmp=AE-HEA-COND-TESTNAV-EYE

General information and education about different eye topics, new research and more.

American Council of the Blind (ACB)
Phone: 202-467-5081 Website: acb.org/

Major advocacy group, have a radio network, and scholarships for students.

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
Phone: 212-502-7600 Website: www.afb.org

Education and information on blindness and helps fund research and programs.

Association of Blind Citizens (ABC)
Website: blindcitizens.org/

Produce an online radio program, offer assistive technology fund and run a summer camp for teens.

Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI)
Phone: 844-460-0625 Website: www.cclvi.org/

Device, service and aid guidance; online support group; and public education programs.

Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB)
Phone: 800-683-5555 Website: www.fightingblindness.org/

Leading private funder of retinal disease research in the world, funding research grants worldwide.

Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone: 847-446-8111 Website: www.hadley.edu

Free distance-education courses. Available in a podcast, digital audio book, large print, and braille.

Lions Clubs International
Phone: 630-571-5466 Website: www.lionsclubs.org/en

Vision health service projects. Local Districts: Multiple District 22-C (MD & DC), Multiple District 24-L (VA).

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
Phone: 410-659-9314 Website: www.nfb.org

Coordinate programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans.

Prevent Blindness America
Phone: 800-331-2020 Website: www.preventblindness.org/

Public education on eye conditions and blindness prevention.

Research to Prevent Blindness
Phone: 800-621-0026 Website: www.rpbusa.org/rpb/?

Public education on eye diseases and eye research.

VisionAware
Website: www.visionaware.org/default.aspx

Resources, guides and other helpful information for someone with vision loss. “Getting Started” Toolkit.

 

Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults: East Central Region Office
Phone: 240-786-6534 Website: www.helenkeller.org/hknc

Training and resources for people with combined vision and hearing loss. Office in Laurel, MD

 

DC Center for Independent Living (DCCIL)
Phone: 202-388-0033 Website: dccil.org

Assists DC residents with disabilities to independent living. Travel training, O&M training, and more.

DC Council of the Blind (DCCB)
Phone: 202-783-0548 Website: dccounciloftheblind.org/

Major advocacy group, have a radio network, and scholarships for students.

Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB)/Washington D.C. Chapter
Phone: 703-742-8043

 

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)/DC
Phone: 202-352-1511 Website: nfbdc.org/

Coordinate programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans.

 

American Council of the Blind/Maryland
Phone: 301-990-1435

Major advocacy group, have a radio network, and scholarships for students.

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)/Maryland
Phone: 443-426-4110 Website: www.nfbmd.org/

Coordinate programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans.

 

American Council of the Blind/Virginia
Phone: 703-638-0575 Website: acbva.org/

Major advocacy group, have a radio network, and scholarships for students.

ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV)
Phone: 703-525-3268 Website: www.ecnv.org/

Provide independent living skills, travel training, advocacy, social groups, and more.

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)/Virginia
Phone: 202-285-4595 Website: www.nfbv.org/

Coordinate programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans.

Testimonials

I applied for a job with Metro - I needed new eyeglasses so I could be a MetroBus operator. Thanks to POB, I was able to get new prescription eyeglasses at a price I could afford! Thank you!
Alex R.
Alex R.Washington, DC
I would like to thank POB for arranging virtual Low Vision Support & Resource Group events. I have found them extremely helpful.
Lois L.
Lois L.Silver Spring, MD
Thanks to POB for hosting events for individuals with low vision. It truly gives people a sense of community!
Sandy M.
Sandy M.Bethesda, MD
Thank you to the Prevention of Blindness Society for your kindness and generosity with the students of Highland Elementary School. Lives have been changed! The Linkages to Learning Center - and a lot of smiling kiddos - are beyond grateful for the work you all do!
Highland Elementary School
Highland Elementary SchoolSilver Spring, MD
Thank you so much to POB for your professional, friendly, and courteous services. You are amazing and wonderful people. I am lucky to have my new eyeglasses! I can even see the spots on my husband's tie now. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Katrina B.Arlington, VA
In 2002, your organization came to my preschool for a vision screening, and my parents learned that I had amblyopia. If I had not been screened by the Prevention of Blindness Society, I could have become completely blind in my right eye. This would have made some activities that I enjoy, like playing soccer, more difficult. Your screening saved my vision. Thank you for your continued efforts in providing vision care for those in need.
Chloé L.Olney, MD
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