What began as the Missouri Association for the Blind in 1911 has grown from a small organization to one which now serves more than 1,100 individuals annually. Today, adults are served with comprehensive low vision medical and rehabilitation services. Founded by James Jones, Col. James Butler and others, the original objectives were to prevent blindness, conserve eyesight, social service, promote employment and recreation.
Today’s mission is to enhance independence, empower individuals, and enrich the lives of people who are visually impaired or blind. The programs and services offered by the Society include low vision medical exams and low vision therapy, assistive technology, daily living training, orientation and mobility, and counseling for adults.
Our professional staff hold state or national certification or licensure in their areas of expertise through the Academy for Certification of Vision Education and Rehabilitation Professionals, Academy of Certified Social Workers, National Board in Certification of Occupational Therapists, State of Illinois and State of Missouri. The history of the Society contains important contributions to individuals living with vision loss and the community including:
Society Timeline
Sharon Mertzlufft joins Society as the new President and C.E.O.
Laura Park-Leach, President & C.E.O announces her retirement.
Society opens it’s newly renovated Sight Solutions Shop and Drews Low Vision Clinic.
Society begins renovations to expand and improve the Sight Solutions Shop and Drews Low Vision Clinic.
Society expands it’s transportation services by adding more drivers to service the community.
Society expands it’s occupational therapy services to support all of Jefferson County and St. Charles.
The Society opens its in-house Sight Solutions Shop, featuring hundreds of assistive technology devices and daily living aids.
Laura Park-Leach was hired as the 11th President and CEO of the Saint Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Expanded services to include assistive technology and internet training.
Hired the first full-time Orientation and Mobility Specialist to teach independent travel skills
Established sight conservation classes for visually handicapped children in schools
Helped pass ordinance making conjunctivitis and trachoma in newborns reportable diseases
Committee appointed by Social Service Conference of St. Louis undertakes study of the “needs of the blind”, which led to he Missouri Association for the Blind