Lighthouse Guild

03/15/2026

History. Made.

This morning, Lighthouse Guild CEO Thomas Panek crossed the finish line of the NYC Half Marathon — 13.1 miles through the streets of New York City, supported by Meta smart glasses providing real-time audio navigation the entire way.

Landmark call-outs as he moved through the city. Live performance stats. Environmental alerts. And — in a first for any race — remote coaching from legendary ultramarathoner Scott Jurek, delivered straight through the glasses as Thomas ran.

Thomas ran alongside NYRR Board Member and Achilles International guide Jed Laskowitz. But today, he had something he has never had on a course before: real-time, AI-powered situational awareness across every mile.

This was the debut of Lighthouse Guild AI — our new initiative to co-develop adaptive technology with leading partners. Meta is our first.

What worked today isn't a prototype -- it's a preview. The same technology that navigated Thomas through 13.1 miles of unpredictable urban terrain is the technology that will help someone navigate a grocery store, cross a busy intersection, or avoid obstacles along their path.

The race is done. But the work starts now!

03/15/2026

What a morning! Thomas took down the NYC Half, aided by his Meta glasses and proudly crossing the finish line with NYRR and Achilles volunteer Jed Laskowitz.

Thomas has run many marathons, but none quite like this! Stay tuned for more

03/14/2026

Something BIG is happening tomorrow.

Thomas Panek, Lighthouse Guild President and CEO, an accomplished marathon runner with over 20 races behind him, is taking on the NYC Half Marathon, again.

But this time it will be different. How? Follow along with us tomorrow to find out!

03/12/2026

John Elliott spoke with Kevin and Lenise, two participants in Lighthouse Guild’s Tech Pals program — where younger people with vision loss are paired with older adults who share the same lived experience to teach technology, answer questions, and form lasting bonds

Through Tech Pals, Kevin helped Lenise build new tech skills, boost her confidence, and gain more independence. What makes it powerful isn’t just the technology — it’s the trust, empathy, and shared understanding that only comes from learning from someone who’s walked the same path.

03/11/2026

Next up in our CBS New York series: a look at the future of accessible technology.

John Elliott speaks with Shanell Matos, who leads our assistive tech program, and Lighthouse Guild Ambassador Fitz Martin to explore the rise of smart AI glasses — how they work, what they can recognize, and why they’re transforming daily life for people who are blind or have low vision.

Fitz also discusses just how far we’ve advanced in braille, and how this technology is revolutionizing reading and writing for people with vision loss.

03/10/2026

We were excited to host legendary New York weatherman and journalist John Elliott of CBS New York at Lighthouse Guild this weekend! All week, we’ll be sharing highlights from his visit and the innovative ways we support people who are blind or have low vision.

John spoke to our CEO Thomas Panek and Kiana Glanton on our development team to talk adaptive athletics, our upcoming 5 Boro Bike Tour team, and how Lighthouse Guild walks alongside people through every step of their vision loss journey.

03/10/2026

We were excited to host legendary New York weatherman and journalist John Elliott of CBS New York at Lighthouse Guild this weekend! All week, we’ll be sharing highlights from his visit and the innovative ways we support people who are blind or have low vision.

John spoke to our CEO Thomas Panek and Kiana Glanton on our development team to talk adaptive athletics, our upcoming 5 Boro Bike Tour team, and how Lighthouse Guild walks alongside people
through every step of their vision loss journey

03/05/2026

Bike Tour season starts NOW!

We’re officially kicking off our journey to the 2026 TD Five Boro Bike Tour, and we can’t wait to introduce you to some of the incredible riders who make Team Lighthouse Guild so special.

Meet Loudny — who lost her sight in 2023 and refused to let it stop her. She joined our team last
year to prove to herself that independence doesn’t end with vision loss… and she ended up inspiring everyone around her.

This year, she’s back — stronger, braver, and so ready to ride again.
Watch her story. Feel the energy. And get ready… because this season Team Lighthouse Guild is
UNSTOPPABLE.

Join us today: https://lighthouseguild.org/events/ride-with-team-lighthouse-guild-at-the-td-five-boro-bike-tour-2026/

03/03/2026

We’re excited to partner with Health Advocates for Older People on a new initiative supporting older adults experiencing vision loss — made possible with support from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind.

Together, we’re expanding access to early detection, education, and support for older adults living with vision loss.

Grateful to partners that help us offer more to our community. 💛

NEW YORK, March 3, 2026 — Lighthouse Guild, the leading organization helping people who are blind or have experienced vision loss lead independent lives, today announced it has received a $32,000 grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind for a new program supporting older adults navigating age-rel...

02/26/2026

We’re keeping the momentum going for Low Vision Awareness Month. 💛

In today’s video, meet Dr. Andrea Zimmerman, one of our outstanding Low Vision Optometrists — and hear why recognizing the early warning signs of low vision matters.

Dr. Zimmerman will also explain how a low vision exam goes deeper than a standard eye exam… and why that difference can change someone’s life.

Tune in and learn something new. 👀✨

02/25/2026

A spectacular Visionary Evening made possible by our incredible Palm Beach supporters! ✨

Your generosity powers the health services, technology, and youth programs that help people who are blind or are visually impaired build confidence, independence, and a brighter future.

We were thrilled to recognize Gigi & Harry Benson and Michele & Howard Kessler, whose leadership and commitment continue to open doors for our community.

Thomas Panek, Lighthouse Guild President & CEO, summed it up perfectly: “Vision loss is a journey, not a destination, and no one should have to walk that journey alone.”

Thank you for coming on this journey with us. 💛

02/24/2026

Thank you, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, for welcoming Thomas Panek, Lighthouse Guild's President & CEO and James Dubin, Chairman of Lighthouse Guild's Board of Directors, to experience your incredible work firsthand. We learned so much from seeing how your programs empower people with low vision at every stage of life. The connectivity between our missions is powerful — together, we’re proving what’s possible for our community. 💙✨