Metrolina Association for the Blind

At Metrolina Association for the Blind, our mission is to reduce or eliminate the daily living challenges imposed upon people by blindness or visual impairment. We respond to these unique challenges in two ways:

• Our Vision Rehab Services (VRS) Department enables blind and visually impaired people to adjust to their vision loss and manage daily living activities independently by providing them with direct services such as therapeutic casework, vision rehabilitation therapy, orientation and mobility instruction, low vision training, and support services.
• Our Accessible Document Services (ADS) Department provides an important national need for Braille, Large Print, Audio CD and Accessible PDF transcription for various industries who are meeting their customers' needs for accessible materials. Revenue generated through the ADS department provides for the expansion of Vision Rehab client services, so dollars spent are doubly effective.

Currently, there are approximately 16,000 people with blindness or vision loss in Mecklenburg County, and that number is projected to double by 2030. Your gift can help provide services to the growing population of Charlotte residents who have vision loss.

More about what we do:

Our low-vision clinic optometrists and therapists help patients maximize their remaining sight with special devices and training. In the past year, our clinicians have provided more than 1,300 hours of service to our clients.

One of the biggest challenges with vision loss is being able to live safely while doing everyday tasks. Our rehabilitation specialists teach clients how to use a cane, shop, use adaptive technology, and live at home with confidence. Our transportation professionals provide more than 1600 “door-through-door” trips each year so that clients can go to medical appointments, skills training, retailers, and support services.

Nearly two-fifths of individuals with vision loss or blindness are living in poverty. Our social workers enable clients to find available financial aid and services.

Feeling isolated can be a barrier to living confidently. We offer support groups and connections to a network of organizations working to empower people in their personal lives and in the worldwide community of individuals living with blindness.