Prevent Blindness Georgia

Founded in 1965, Prevent Blindness Georgia (PBGA) is the state affiliate of the leading voluntary eye health organization dedicated to the prevention of blindness and preserving sight. Focusing on the delivery of services to Georgia’s poorest and most vulnerable residents, PBGA provides no-cost eye exams, corrective glasses, eye health education, and referrals for eye diseases. 

During the last year, PBGA served more than 53,000 people, almost all of whom were young children like Addi. Addi had a tough start in life. When she was born, her lungs didn't work properly causing her to develop macrocephaly—swelling and fluid on the brain. A series of MRI's revealed she had a disconnected spine. After corrective surgeries, she entered four-year-old Kindergarten much like any other child, except that her mom reported she seemed a little clumsy. When Prevent Blindness vision screeners visited her preschool, Addi couldn't pass her vision test. They referred her to an opthalmologist who discovered that Addi's vision was significantly impaired. She needed corrective lenses.

Now, sporting her adorable new pair of specs, it's apparent that the problems with coordination Addi was experiencing were not a residual side effect of her health history but a result of her poor vision. Today, she's beautifully on track with her peers, learning at home but looking forward to going back to school with the rest of her classmates.

We have many exciting events planned for 2024 including the return of Sipping for Sight, Cast & Swing for Sight, and our annual Night for Sight Gala. Looking to be involved with these? Head on over to PBGA.org to sign up for volunteering or reach out to events@pbga.org for more information on how you can be a sponsor!

Please give and help us ensure that all Georgians—including children like precious little Addi—have the vision care they need.

Gratefully,

President and CEO