Make a donation to help Lily, and to help other people who are visually impaired

Blindness and vision loss is for most a frightening thought, but the Lighthouse helps people face those fears and develop the confidence and skills needed to live independent and successful lives. Help us help make this happen by sharing in our mission to ensure individuals and families have the opportunity to participate in the Lighthouse training and services at no cost to them. 

In our fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, the Lighthouse served over 800 persons living in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Of this number, 241 persons with vision impairments and blindness were provided with extensive vision rehabilitation programs and 46 family members and professionals were provided with services in support of persons with vision loss. As 2011 comes to an end, we would like to share one of our ‘little’ success stories with you.

Lily is a visually impaired child, born with a very rare combination of visual defects. During her first few months, her parents, Jennifer and Peter, brought Lily to numerous professionals. They were desperate to know if their baby could see. Jennifer and Peter also were in fear for Lily’s future—at that point they did not know about services specifically designed to support blind children in meeting their childhood milestones. Finally a pediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. Derek Hess, suggested that they bring Lily to the Lighthouse.

At the Lighthouse, Lily was placed in the Early Intervention Blind Babies Program where she began to learn how to use her remaining vision and how to integrate her other senses. Educators estimate that more than 80% of what children learn is incidental learning that is learning from observation. Obviously for visually impaired children, such learning is problematic. Lily and her parents were taught how to explore and learn about the world in other ways. Lily is now walking, developing pre-literacy skills, and soon she will enter the literacy stage. Lily will learn to read with her eyes, ears and hands using adapted skills and computer technology. We anticipate she will be on time for entering the school system.

Lily’s story is one of many Lighthouse success stories. Since 1983, we have assisted thousands of persons with vision impairments and their families to cope with the physical and emotional challenges associated with vision loss. You are invited to learn more about our clients and services by visiting our website. Also please visit our current newsletter to read more about Lily in “Learning to See – A Child’s Journey.”

The Lighthouse is funded in part by the Division of Blind Services, the United Way of Pasco and Hernando Counties, and Pasco County Board of Commissioners. We also depend on donations in order to meet the need for services. If you are able, please help us continue to meet the need by donating, volunteering, attending our annual ball, or by raising awareness about vision rehabilitation services. Checks can be sent to:

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Inc.
8610 Galen Wilson Blvd.
Port Richey, FL 34668

Thank you for your consideration of our yearend appeal, for your contributions, and for your support of persons who are visually impaired and blind. The staff and volunteers of the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind wish you and your loved ones a joyous Holiday Season and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

Sylvia Perez, Executive Director
Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Inc.
Phone: (727) 815-0303
Serving Pasco, Hernando & Citrus Counties