You Support Our Mission
Prevent Blindness Iowa is a non-profit agency supported by contributions from the public, corporations and foundations, memorial gifts and legacies. No state or federal funds are received. Please make a tax-deductible donation today and support our sight-saving work in Iowa communities.
Founded in 1958, Prevent Blindness Iowa is at work in communities across Iowa with sight-saving vision programs for children, adults and older citizens. Prevent Blindness Iowa is a leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight through public and professional education, early detection through evidence-based vision screening, patient services and research.
An estimated 625 Iowans lose their sight each year — but nearly half of all blindness can be prevented. With the knowledge and skills presently available, the sight of hundreds of Iowans is saved each year. Through our many programs and services, Prevent Blindness Iowa fights to save the precious gift of sight. Our work has a profound impact on adults and children across the state at home, at school, at work and at play.
Prevent Blindness Iowa works to fight vision loss by educating Iowans about eye health and safety. Our media campaigns reach thousands of people annually. Our monthly awareness themes focus on glaucoma, cataracts, sports eye safety, UV radiation, children’s eye health and safety, diabetic eye disease and more. Last year we distributed thousands of pieces of literature and provided unbiased referrals to hundreds of callers.
Our most important work is in community programs across the state that directly affects the visual quality of life for thousands of Iowans each year. In the last year, Prevent Blindness Iowa screened more than 60,000 preschool and school age children to help detect early symptoms of eye problems like amblyopia (lazy eye). Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to preventing loss of sight and ensuring children can see in order to succeed in school.
An affiliate of Prevent Blindness America, Prevent Blindness Iowa is part of a nationwide network of affiliates and divisions. Through Prevent Blindness America, Prevent Blindness Iowa helps provide financial support to many researchers each year in hopes of finding the medical breakthroughs that will save sight for those with blinding eye diseases and other conditions.A volunteer board of directors and committees comprised of medical specialists, distinguished business people, prominent civic leaders and educators develops program standards and policies. More than 200 active volunteers carry out programs, services and special events across the state.
