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

2021
Sight Solutions Shop Opened
Sight Solutions Shop Opened

The Society opens its in-house Sight Solutions Shop, featuring hundreds of assistive technology devices and daily living aids.

2019
New Society President and CEO Hired
Photo of Boy Scout Troup and Laura Park-Leach

Laura Park-Leach was hired as the 11th President and CEO of the Saint Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

2016
New Method to Support Services

Began accepting Medicare and in-network insurance for low vision services.

2011
A New Brand

Developed new logo and tagline connecting the history of organizational services and the geography of St. Louis

2009
First Full-time Low Vision Optometrist

Expanded the Drews Low Vision Clinic by hiring a full-time Low Vision Optometrist

2003
Society Lifetime Achievement Award

Awarded Missouri Supreme Court Judge Richard Teitelman with the Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award as the first Missouri Supreme Court Judge who is legally blind

Assistive Technology Advances
Hands on Refreshable Braille

Expanded services to include assistive technology and internet training.

1999
Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Hired the first Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired and expanded services to school districts in Illinois and Missouri

1997
Moved to 8770 Manchester Road

Purchased building in Brentwood, MO

UMSL Faculty

Formal agreement with University of Missouri Saint Louis (UMSL) School of Optometry to expand Low Vision Clinic with UMSL faculty

1992
Transition Booklet For Children

Published booklet for Missouri school-aged student, parents and teachers to guide high school students transitioning to collage or adult life

1990
Counseling and Assessments

Hired the first Social Workers to provide counseling and assessments

1989
The Leslie & Robert Drews Low Vision Clinic
Magnifier

Established The Leslie & Robert Drews Low Vision Clinic

1986
Society Name Change

Added “Visually Impaired” to name to recognize that the majority of individuals served are not totally blind

1980
Moved from the Continental Building

Moved from the Continental Building to a location in Webster Groves

1973
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Man walking with cane

Hired the first full-time Orientation and Mobility Specialist to teach independent travel skills

1958
Eye Bank

In conjunction with Washington University School of Medicine, the Society helped fund the local eye bank.  United with other eye banks around the country by short wave radio the St. Louis Eye Bank supplied corneas for transplant to needed areas in Europe, the Far East and throughout Latin America.

1940
Vision Screenings

Visual screening in public schools conducted by school nurse, with training program conducted by the Society.

1938
Fireworks City Ordinance

Helped pass a city ordinance prohibiting sale of fireworks in the city to prevent accidents that lead to vision loss

1930
Name Changed

Name change adopted to St. Louis Society for the Blind

1925
Leslie Dana Gold Medal for the Prevention of Blindness

Began awarding the Leslie Dana Gold Medal for the Prevention of Blindness

1924
Sight Conservation Classes
Boy walking with cane

Established sight conservation classes for visually handicapped children in schools

1921
Missouri Blind Pension

Due in part to the Missouri Association for the Blind’s (SLSBVI) assistance, the Missouri Blind Pension program was established by Missouri statute.

1915
Braille Classes
A person reading Braille

Began teaching Braille classes in individuals’ homes.

1913
Incorporation

Formal incorporation in the State of Missouri; cost of incorporation was $9.

Reportable Eye Diseases
Doctor holding young child

Helped pass ordinance making conjunctivitis and trachoma in newborns reportable diseases

1912
Workshop for Adult Blind

Established the first workshop for the adult blind; the workshop’s first broom was sent to President Wilson.

1911
Missouri Association for the Blind (SLSBVI)
Man reading Braille

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

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