General Information
Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington
415 2nd St NE
Suite 200
Washington,
DC 20002
202-234-1010
communications@youreyes.org
http://www.youreyes.org
Brief Description
Founded in 1936, 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.
POB screens nearly 8,000 children annually for vision loss and strabismus and 5,000 adults for glaucoma. POB also serves nearly 8,000 low-income and homeless persons at its eyeglass clinic. POB sponsors the Aging Eye Network, the Macular Degeneration Network, Stargardt's Network, support groups, and a monthly large print newsletter.
Services Offered
- Information and Referral
- Answers thousands of calls from the community on questions about eye health and safety. Sends out 30,000 pamphlets each year on various eye problems.
- Community Outreach Programs
- Maintains the Macular Degeneration Network, an organization of persons who have macular degeneration and need help in reaching community resources so they may live as independently as possible.
- Health
- Screens seniors for glaucoma and other eye problems. Provides nearly 3,500 pairs of new eyeglasses annually to the poor and homeless. Provides eye examinations for the needy.
- Support Groups
- POB's Aging Eye and Macular Degeneration Networks provide information, education and support to older adults facing these vision challenges. These resources include:
- Local share groups
- Physician and expert lectures
- Your Eyes Today, a free large-print monthly newsletter. For more information on upcoming events, please visit our Event Calendar. Network events are free and open to the public and cover a variety of topics related to vision health and living with vision loss. The Macular Degeneration Network meets monthly at Sibley Memorial Hospital.