The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio

01/04/2026

Happy World Braille Day!!

Braille is a tactile reading and writing code that allows blind people to read using their fingertips through a system of six raised dots. It was invented in 1824 by Louis Braille, a French teenager born on January 4, 1809. Today, Braille is used around the world in many different languages.

Each year, we work to place Braille in the hands of more people who are blind. January 4 is recognized as World Braille Day, honoring Louis Braille and his lasting contribution. Every day, thousands of blind people rely on Braille for countless purposes—from grocery lists and canned-food labels to novels, math and science equations, and musical notation. The growing presence of Braille signage also makes it easier to navigate hotels, office buildings, government facilities, university campuses, and other public spaces. As flexible as print, Braille can be learned in a similar amount of time and read just as smoothly.

https://nfb.org/celebrate-world-braille-day

ID: A painting of Louis Braille.

01/03/2026

Now Streaming: Beyond Sight – A Legacy of Empowerment
For more than a century, The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio has been a beacon of independence, empowerment, and community for people who are blind or visually impaired. Our new documentary, Beyond Sight: A Legacy of Empowerment, tells this powerful story — from our early beginnings to the innovative services and technology shaping the future.
🎧 Audio Description is available, ensuring everyone can experience this journey.
Watch Beyond Sight and discover how our vision continues to shine brighter into the future.
https://www.wgte.org/node/214861
ID: black and white photo of a woman administering an eye examination to a young girl.

For more than a century, the Sight Center of Northwest Ohio has been a beacon of independence, empowerment, and community for people who are blind or visually impaired. This documentary traces the organization’s story from its roots when the community united to change lives through decades of grow...

01/02/2026

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a leading cause of vision loss. Early detection through regular eye exams is key, as glaucoma often has no early symptoms.

https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/education-and-outreach/glaucoma-resources/glaucoma-awareness-month

ID: A view of an iPhone screen as seen through a glaucoma filter.

01/01/2026

The Shop and The Sight Center are closed today.

Image description:

White background with bold black text reading, “Happy New Year! The Sight Center and The Shop are closed for today,” with The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio logo on the left and The Shop at The Sight Center logo on the right.

12/31/2025

The Shop is closed today for inventory. You can still shop online at shopattheshop.org.

ID: The Shop is closed today for inventory and The Shop's logo.

12/30/2025

As we close out 2025, The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio is facing a major challenge. The State of Ohio has narrowed eligibility for the Independent Living program to only those who meet the legal blindness threshold. As a result, nearly 70% of the older adults we currently serve will no longer qualify - leaving a serious gap in access to essential low-vision support.
These changes affect people like:
Mildred, 82 – Macular Degeneration
She struggles with reading mail, managing medications, and seeing stove dials. She receives in-home training and adaptive tools but because she still has some usable vision, she will lose services that keep her safe and independent.
Harold, 76 – Diabetic Retinopathy
His vision varies daily. He can’t drive, misreads insulin doses, and has trouble identifying money. He isn’t legally blind, but without support, he faces increased risks of falls, medication errors, and hospitalization.
Linda, 68 – Glaucoma
Peripheral vision loss causes frequent bumps and safety concerns. Orientation and mobility training allows her to navigate confidently yet she will no longer qualify.
Robert, 71 – Stroke-Related Vision Loss
With half his field of vision gone, daily tasks like reading and cooking are difficult. He depends on low-vision training to stay independent.
James, 80 – Early Macular Degeneration
He can’t read standard print and struggles with contrast, making everyday tasks hazardous. The tools that help him remain at home will no longer be available.
These cuts don’t just affect individuals - they affect families, caregivers, healthcare systems and entire communities. When seniors lose access to vision support, their risk of injury, hospitalization and dependence increases and impacts everyone around them.
Despite this setback, our commitment remains strong. No one in Northwest Ohio should have to face vision loss alone.
You can help bridge the gap.
Please consider a donation today or contact Tim Tegge, Executive Director, at 419-720-3937 to discuss how you can support this critical work.
https://sightcentertoledo.networkforgood.com/projects/213470-enrich-a-life-today?fbclid=IwY2xjawO_alZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81MTQ3NzE1NjkyMjgwNjEAAR7ADoGDRB9QQfG3KIgyfpuUPIvlV5Wt2iv-tNNjb0xBnR-k4o9vReeu6lebog_aem_z6Ua0wBU2_HMOEe0rwOQYA

Your donation makes a difference by helping to provide services and therapies to allow a person to live independently. The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio offers a unique blend of programs and services that can help people of all ages work, learn, play, and live independently with permanent vision lo...

12/29/2025

The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio recently unveiled a new historical marker with braille and audio components. The organization believes it’s the first of its kind in the state.

12/28/2025

Hotels, listen up: ADA compliance alone often falls short—this is how you should be designing for real guests.

12/25/2025

Listen to Mary Ann Smith's memories of Christmas at the Toledo Society for the Blind.

100 GlimpsesEpisode 16: Christmas MemoriesMary Ann Smith reflects on her childhood memories of Christmastime at the Toledo Society for the Blind.This Video i...

12/25/2025

The Shop and The Sight Center are both closed on December 25th and 26th.

Image Description: Holiday schedule graphic with a cartoon Santa holding a star on the left. Text reads: ‘Holiday Schedule. We are closed December 25th and 26th. We will reopen on Monday, December 29th.’ The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio logo and The Shop logo appear at the bottom.

12/24/2025

The Sight Center and The Shop will close at 2:30 today for the Holiday.