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.

Bidding is open now

The 125th Anniversary Silent Auction is live.

49 donated items are up for bid right now, and these are the ones to watch.

Every bid funds the programs and technology that open the world to people who are blind or have low vision.

Bidding closes Thursday, October 1 at 8:30 pm ET

Browse All 49 Items Register to Bid by Text (opens in a new tab)
125 Years of Vision

An anniversary worth celebrating.

October 1, 2026 marks 125 years of CLB opening the world to people who are blind or losing their vision. Explore the campaign, bid in the silent auction, or give in honor of the milestone.

Explore the 125th Anniversary Give to the Campaign

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.

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Upcoming events

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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 our 125th Anniversary celebration.

    See Events

  • Support Our Celebration

    Give in honor of 125 years, sponsor the celebration, or bid in the silent auction to help fund the year ahead.

    Support Our 125th
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