I am proud to say that we at the Sight Center had a busy and successful 2010! Continuing the mission “To empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired to reach their maximum level of independence and promote prevention,” remained at the forefront of our staff and volunteers vision.

Our clients struggle to perform activities of daily living on a day to day basis. To hear a client lament that they cannot see their grandchildren’s vacation pictures or balance their checkbook is heartbreaking. Simple things like cooking - identifying a can of soup - or just taking your insulin becomes a struggle. Losing their ability to drive robs these individuals of their independence to grocery shop, volunteer in their community and visit family and friends - all resulting in social isolation and depression. Our clients deserve to maintain these lifeskills and we want to be the solution to their everyday problems.

The Southeast Ohio Sight Center enables our clients to interact their environment by building on the strengths of their other senses especially touch! By providing in-home assessments and training our clients can begin to thrive again and not be afraid. The Southeast Ohio Sight Center also facilitates opportunities so our clients may remain an active part of their communities.Dear Friends and Funders of the Sight Center:

I am proud to say that we at the Sight Center had a busy and successful 2010! Continuing the mission “To empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired to reach their maximum level of independence and promote prevention,” remained at the forefront of our staff and volunteers vision.

Our clients struggle to perform activities of daily living on a day to day basis. To hear a client lament that they cannot see their grandchildren’s vacation pictures or balance their checkbook is heartbreaking. Simple things like cooking - identifying a can of soup - or just taking your insulin becomes a struggle. Losing their ability to drive robs these individuals of their independence to grocery shop, volunteer in their community and visit family and friends - all resulting in social isolation and depression. Our clients deserve to maintain these lifeskills and we want to be the solution to their everyday problems.

The Southeast Ohio Sight Center enables our clients to interact their environment by building on the strengths of their other senses especially touch! By providing in-home assessments and training our clients can begin to thrive again and not be afraid. The Southeast Ohio Sight Center also facilitates opportunities so our clients may remain an active part of their communities.

Working with the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, United Way of Fairfield and Hocking county, and The Fairfield County Foundation the Southeast Ohio Sight Center is a leading provider of low vision rehabilitation services in Fairfield, Hocking, Athens, Perry, Washington, Ross and Vinton counties.

Respectfully submitted,

Brittany Meszaros, B.S.N. Agency Director

INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM Our clients struggle to perform activities of daily living on a day to day basis. Our goal is to provide low vision and adaptive aids and training so our clients can remain in their homes safe and independent. Simple things like cooking - identifying a can of soup - or just taking your insulin becomes a struggle. Losing their ability to drive robs these individuals of their independence to grocery shop, volunteer in their community and visit family and friends - all resulting in social isolation and depression. Could this happen to you? Absolutely!

The Southeast Ohio Sight Center enables our clients to interact their environment by building on the strengths of their other senses especially touch! By providing in-home assessments and training our clients can begin to thrive again and not be afraid. The Southeast Ohio Sight Center also facilitates opportunities so our clients may remain an active part of their communities.

Working with the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, United Way of Fairfield and Hocking county, and The Fairfield County Foundation the Southeast Ohio Sight Center is a leading provider of low vision rehabilitation services in Fairfield, Hocking, Athens, Perry, Washington, Ross and Vinton counties.

In 2011 the Independent Living Program will continue to provide solutions to everyday problems but we will be evaluating our clients more efficiently. We address whether a client will be a “Independent Homemaker or strive for “Increase independent functioning”. An R.T. will determine classification with the client and then evaluate out of 8 skills what they cannot do and what their goals will be to accomplish. A final report will still be generated and program surveys will continue to enforce continuity of care and collaboration of goals achieved.

Prevention Program/Outreach

Outreach includes three areas: Prevention Screenings, Support Services, Health Fairs, and community awareness. Prevention Screenings are provided at all Fairfield County preschools that chose to have the Agency screen their students. A nominal fee of $6.00 is requested.

Support Services is a great opportunity for the client to meet the social improvement of their independent living plan. Speakers, vendors and craft are a few of the opportunities offered to our clients to make their handicap more manageable.

Health Fairs are held in various locations around Southeast Ohio. The purpose of this outreach is to bring awareness to all ages of eye health and safety. Both adult and children screenings are completed at no charge.

Community Awareness is a great opportunity for the Agency to explain to the community our services. Some types of media used are radio, television, and brochures.

“Without good vision, a child's ability to learn about the world becomes more difficult. Vision problems affect one in 20 preschoolers and one in four school-age children. Since many vision problems begin at an early age, it is very important that children receive proper eye care. Untreated eye problems can worsen and lead to other serious problems as well as affect learning ability, personality and adjustment in school” (Prevent Blindness Ohio).

As always we will strive to followup and seek feedback on those children referred and what plan of care, if any, was established. We know due to the economy that parents may be struggling to financially afford eye care and glasses but we continue to seek out sources for those parents that may need assistance.