Prevention specialists conduct vision screenings as well as elementary school education programs centered on eye safety in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties. Screening children for vision problems is one of the most important services the Lackawanna Blind Association provides to our community. Vision disorders are the most prevalent disabling childhood conditions in the U.S. and can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected and treated early. Children’s vision screenings help prevent avoidable blindness, fulfilling a key part of our mission.
We are delighted that generous grants from an anonymous individual and from the Margaret Briggs Foundation have enabled us to purchase two Spot screening devices. Spot is a state-of-the-art vision screening device that is fast, portable, easy-to-use, and designed to quickly detect a wide range of children’s ophthalmological issues. Spot has revolutionized LBA’s vision screenings for children, taking our agency into the future of the blindness prevention field. Having two Spot screening devices helps ensure all our community’s children have the best and brightest future ahead of them!
The Magic World of Vision is a special third grade fun and informative pamphlet we print and distribute to educate our youth about eye care and blindness prevention. The program culminates each year with an eye safety poster contest and party for contest winners. Winning posters are also published in eye safety coloring books that are distributed to preschool children at our children’s vision screenings.
The Lackawanna Blind Association also offers adult vision screenings and education programs at senior centers, civic clubs, health fairs and industrial sites.
Eye Care & Visual Support Center
Magnifying devices and other low-vision aids and home care equipment are displayed for demonstration to clients and consumers by LBA caseworkers in our Visual Support Center. Computer instruction in assistive software for the visually impaired is available to our clients by appointment.
Low-Cost Eye Glasses
We provide assistance to purchase low-cost eye glasses for income-eligible individuals. This service is available once a year, unless your prescription changes. The fee for eyeglasses under our low-cost eye care program is $30 for adults and $45 for children. We are unable to cover transition or progressive lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are only covered for children.
To apply, please print out and complete the appropriate application, or stop by our office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application must include a copy of your prescription from an eye exam no more than 2 years ago. We accept cash or money orders only, no checks or credit cards. You may either bring your completed application to our office in person or send it by mail. Please do not mail cash. Once we have your completed application and fee, we will give or mail to you a voucher which you can then take to Northeastern Eye Institute to get your new glasses!
