Representative:
James A. McKechnie, Jr.
Executive Director

Description
The primary mission of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB) is to reduce preventable causes of blindness by educating the public on the necessity for and the methods of preventing blindness. ISPB accomplishes this mission for Illinois by taking a leadership role in the development and implementation of innovative programs and activities involving the preservation and enhancement of vision, including education and research activities.

• Participates in statewide community health fairs; sponsors professional education for ophthalmologists and optometrists; presents 4th grade and high school programs on eye safety throughout Illinois; funds starter research grants at major Illinois medical institutions; provides needy children with eyeglasses and low vision aids; operates the Illinois Eye Injury Registry, tracking serious eye injuries; helps set policy as a member of the state's Diabetes Advisory Coalition and Senate Task Force on Fireworks; and partners with the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois Department of Human Service on vision screening and other ocular issues.
• Develops and implements disease awareness and prevention programs and makes public education materials on eye diseases, eye care, and safety available at no charge.
• Participates in the recertification of vision screeners with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Human Services.