Losing your vision is not the end of your life.

For over 125 years, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind has helped people who are blind or losing their vision live independently. Wherever you are in your journey, there is a next step, and someone ready to walk it with you.

Find Your First Step Talk to a Specialist
A smiling man who is blind sits on a park bench outdoors with his guide dog resting beside him.
Where do you want to begin?

Find your path. We meet you where you are.

125 Years of Vision · Celebrated October 1, 2026

Thank you for 125 years.

On October 1, board members, staff, volunteers, clients, partners and friends filled National Industries for the Blind to celebrate 125 years of CLB opening the world to people who are blind or losing their vision.

We celebrated 125 years, and we are still working toward our $125,000 goal. Every gift to the 125 for 125 campaign helps us get there.

See the Celebration Give to the Campaign
Board member Shawn Callaway, who emceed the evening, speaks at the podium beside the Celebrating 125 Years banners.
A smiling guest with a white cane and her companion stand together in front of the Independence Is Our Vision wall of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind logos.
Kim Alfonso receives her bronze lighthouse Legacy Award from COO Zachary Brewer in front of the Celebrating 125 Years banner.

Our impact

  • 77,463 people who are blind or have low vision in the Greater Washington region
  • 21,659 hours of direct adult services, 2020 to 2025
  • 13 programs across the lifespan
  • more than 125 years serving our community since 1900

A CLB story

“You will be able to lead a good life.”

Three months into retirement, I was diagnosed with a condition that began taking my vision. Within ten months, I was legally blind in my left eye. My wife found Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, and they were immediately ready to help.

Bob IrvinCLB Board Member and Consumer

How we help

Services for every stage of the journey.

Our programs, grouped so you can find the right fit. Choose any service to learn more.

Low Vision & Assistive Technology

  • Low Vision Evaluation CLB optometrist tests your vision to find devices that best improve or assist low vision.
  • Assistive Technology Hands-on assistive tech and computer training to keep you working with vision loss.

Adult Services

Government Services

Youth & Family

  • Youth and Family Programs from birth that build the skills and confidence for future independence.
  • Camp Lighthouse One-week day camp for ages 6 to 12 with games, arts, Braille, and field trips.

Additional Services

Why it matters

Vision loss reaches further than most people realize.

  • ~20MAmericans live with vision impairment, about 8% of the population1
  • 2.5xmore likely to be unemployed than their sighted peers, for working-age adults with vision loss2
  • 15%of people with vision loss earn under $20,000 a year1
  • $130Bannual cost of vision loss in the US3

Sources: 1 Georgetown University Health Policy Institute. 2 American Foundation for the Blind. 3 Vision Center. Accessed May 2026.

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 53-0196609. Every gift is tax-deductible and goes directly to the programs that help people live independently.

Save the date

Upcoming events

  • White Cane Safety Day

    Thursday, October 15, 2026

    Engaging, interactive community training on safe, respectful guiding techniques for people who are blind or visually impaired, with a complimentary lunch.

    Details about White Cane Safety Day

  • Circle of Friends

    October 16, October 23, November 20, and November 27, 2026

    A social support group for people who are blind or visually impaired, meeting online and in person.

    Details about Circle of Friends
  • A Black teacher stands at a whiteboard and works with two students seated at a table in a bright classroom during a skills workshop.

    Lighthouse Innovative Transition to Employment (LITE)

    Saturday, October 17, 2026

    Monthly workshops helping teens build job-readiness, independent-living, and self-advocacy skills for life after high school.

    Details about Lighthouse Innovative Transition to Employment (LITE)
See All Events

Our mission

Independence is worth fighting for. Access is worth investing in.

More than half of the people we serve retain some usable vision. With the right tools and training, vision loss does not have to mean losing your independence.

Support Our Mission
Be part of the next 125 years

Every gift, at every level, moves our mission forward.

  • Give

    Your donation funds the training, technology, and counseling that help people live independently.

    Donate

  • Volunteer

    Share your time and skills. Volunteers make our programs and events possible all year long.

    Get Involved

  • Attend an event

    Join us in community, from skills workshops to support groups.

    See Events

  • Support Our 125th

    Give to the 125 for 125 campaign and help fund the programs and technology for the year ahead.

    Give to the Campaign
The Lamplighter

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