Sights for Hope Extends Growth in Several Key Service Categories
Sights for Hope extended its growth in several key service categories during its 2023-2024 year.
In the year ending June 30, Sights for Hope increased its total number of people served by 10% over the prior year, its number of pre-kindergarten children who received vision screenings by 28%, its number of low vision functional exams by 14%, and its number of guided transports provided by 5%. It also increased its number of personal counseling sessions by nearly double and its active client population by 8%.
The organization served 8,036 people through its client and patient services and its prevention services in the community. It provided 3,303 guided transports, its highest total since expanding its service area in 2010.
Sights for Hope’s total of 5,977 pre-kindergarten children screened was its highest since the last year before the COVID pandemic. Several schools have implemented online kindergarten registrations, limiting opportunities to perform screenings. The organization is planning screenings for kindergarten orientation events and has formed a partnership with Community Services for Children (CSC) to provide screenings at its sites. For the second straight year, 14% of the pre-kindergarten children screened were found to have a visual impairment of some degree.
The 166 low vision exams provided by Sights for Hope increased its distribution of assistive technologies. Its sharp increase in counseling sessions was made possible with the addition of a contract counseling provider. All counseling was overseen by a Certified Low Vision Therapist, as recognized by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP).
Sights for Hope transforms the lives of people with visual impairments and blindness by removing the barriers to their independence. Sights for Hope’s services teach adaptive skills to accomplish daily life activities; provide supports that counter the effects of visual impairments and blindness; increase access to medical care, healthy food, and other essentials; and advance solutions that enhance sight capabilities. More than 40% of Sights for Hope’s clients live below or near the federal poverty line. Founded in 1928, Sights for Hope carries forward in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley and Monroe County a tradition of service inspired by Helen Keller and is a member of the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind.
Image: A toddler looks at a stuffed C. Well Bunny character held by a Sights for Hope Prevention Specialist.