Lighthouse Vision Loss Center

03/12/2026

Did you need glasses to read this?

If you did, you’re not alone.

Vision loss, in some form, touches almost everyone. It may be you, a parent, a spouse, or a friend. But when someone receives a diagnosis that changes their vision, they are often left wondering what comes next.

How will I get around?
How will I work?
How will I live independently?

That’s where the Lighthouse Vision Loss Center comes in.

Through mobility training, assistive technology, life skills education, and compassionate support, Lighthouse helps people reclaim their independence and confidence after vision loss.

During the 2026 Giving Challenge, your support helps ensure no one in our community faces vision loss alone.

If you needed glasses to read this — or know someone who does — please consider supporting Lighthouse this year.

Together, when it goes dark, we bring the light.

03/12/2026

Some of our team members were up bright and early this morning representing the Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center through Project TEACH, in partnership with the Manatee County School District and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.

Our team — including CEO Alex, Assistive Technology Instructor Yahkub, and Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Latricia — had the opportunity to speak with a class of 4th graders at Bayshore Elementary School about the profession of Blind Rehabilitation and the important work happening at the Lighthouse every day.

It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce students to a career dedicated to helping individuals with vision loss live independent, empowered lives.

We love being out in the community sharing the impact of this work and inspiring the next generation. 💛

03/12/2026

🐣 Beeping Egg Hunt is Back!
Imagine finding Easter eggs by sound instead of sight.

With specially designed beeping eggs, children who are blind or visually impaired can experience the excitement and joy of an Easter egg hunt in a way that’s accessible, inclusive, and full of fun.

Join us for this special community event hosted by the Venice Lions Club and Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center.

📍 Centennial Park
200 W. Venice Avenue, Venice
🗓 Saturday, April 4
⏰ 11:00 AM
👧 For children ages 6–16

After the hunt, younger children can join us for:
🐰 Hop Little Bunnies — a sensory and social play event

👶 Ages 0–6
📍 Jervey Venice Library Community Room
⏰ 12:30–2:00 PM

This beloved event brings families together for a day of joy, connection, and inclusion — because every child deserves the thrill of the hunt. 💛

02/26/2026

Save the date ✨

The Brilliance Ball — Unmasked
October 17, 2026 | Lido Beach Resort

An evening of elegance, mystery, and impact.
Where light reveals what matters most.

02/26/2026

The future of accessibility has arrived.

Now available at Lumination Low Vision Store: Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

A powerful blend of style and smart technology—designed to support independence, connection, and everyday life.

Capture moments. Stay connected. Experience more.

📍 Visit Lumination to try them for yourself.

02/26/2026

Thank you Suncoast Credit Union for your support of our youth program!

02/23/2026

Lighthouse thanks the Bishop-Parker Foundation for a recent grant award!

02/12/2026

The FSU medical student Christina is out in the community with O&M Specialist Latricia observing an O&M lesson. She had a chance to learn and practice the human guide technique with OB client Donna. Time really flies when you're having fun.

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

Please join us in welcoming FSU medical student Christina Bobrek to the Lighthouse Vision Loss Center!

Christina will be spending the next two weeks with our team as part of her community medicine rotation, gaining hands-on experience with the programs and services that empower individuals living with vision loss.

We’re honored to be part of her educational journey and to help shape the next generation of compassionate healthcare providers.

Welcome to Lighthouse, Christina!

01/26/2026

Our Transition teens had an incredible day at the St. Pete Boat Show this weekend! ⚓🌊

Huge thank you to Ed Wiser, Carolina Salas, Cindy Dobyns, and the amazing team at the Annapolis School of Seamanship for providing tickets and leading an awesome hands-on class where students learned about different nautical knots and their real-world uses. 🪢✨

While the weather kept us from our scheduled boat ride, the crew quickly pivoted and gave our teens meaningful, hands-on rope work and even some fun fishing lessons instead 🎣 — turning it into an unforgettable learning experience anyway!

We’re so grateful to Ed, Cindy, and Carolina for going above and beyond to create such a welcoming, educational, and fun day for our students. Partnerships like these make a lasting impact. Thank you for supporting our teens! 💙🙌