The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing no-cost vision rehabilitation and adjustment-to-blindness services to people of all ages in Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties. Since its incorporation, Lighthouse has served tens of thousands of individuals who are visually impaired and blind, continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of the community by adding programs, when possible, based on our clients’ expressed wants and needs. We work with individuals from infancy through older adulthood, supporting each person in reaching their unique milestones and living as independently as possible. Lighthouse is the only Community Rehabilitation Program of the Division of Blind Services in the counties we serve and is accredited by the Association of Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
The need for services in Pasco County was first identified in February 1983, when the Division of Blind Services hosted a town hall meeting at the West Campus of Pasco-Hernando Community College. The strong response from more than 150 attendees demonstrated clear community demand. By May of that year, the B.L.I.N.D. Club of New Port Richey contributed $500, and the First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey donated a home on Virginia Avenue, making it possible to establish the Suncoast Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Classes began in October 1983, and the organization later became known as the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind. Since that time, demand for Lighthouse programs and services has continued to grow as more people learn about our life-changing programs. Clients say our programs give them hope, confidence, and independence.
Lighthouse programs and services are delivered by professionals with specialized training in visual disabilities, bringing a combined 96 years of experience in the field of vision impairment. Several staff members, including instructors, have personal experience with vision impairment, offering meaningful perspective, connection, and encouragement. Others bring experience through family connections, prior work experience, and formal education in vision rehabilitation.
The Lighthouse serves Pasco, Hernando and Citrus from two permanent locations in New Port Richey and Brooksville. Services are also provided, when possible, in the community (in libraries and other public spaces) and over the phone.
The Lighthouse is funded in part by the Florida Department of Education, Division of Blind Services. We are also fortunate to receive grants each year. In the 2025-2026 fiscal year, our partners included DBS, the United Ways of Pasco and Hernando Counties, FDOT, Publix Super Markets Charities, Pasco County Community Development, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, SECO Energy Foundation, and Bungie Foundation. Our Annual Fundraisers also help raise funds for our programs. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, 167 volunteers provided 2,947 hours of service to help us carry out our mission.
In 2026, the Lighthouse turns 43 years old. Thank you for allowing us to serve you, and thank you for increasing the quality of life for people who are visually impaired and blind. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.
Lighthouse’s Employer Identification Number/Federal Identification Number/Tax Number is 59-2311666.
Lighthouse maintains a Candid/GuideStar Platinum designation for transparency. View our GuideStar Report for our Form 990s, financial statements, and other public documents, or email the Lighthouse with your request for information.
Disclaimer
A COPY OF THE LIGHTHOUSE’S OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 OR BY VISITING Check-a-Charity ON THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES WEBSITE. LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND, INC. IS REGISTERED UNDER CH662. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.