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

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, donate a silent auction item, or give in honor of the milestone.

Explore the 125th Anniversary Give to the Campaign Donate an Auction Item

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.

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

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 our 125th Anniversary celebration.

    See Events

  • Support Our Celebration

    Contribute an item or experience to our 125th Anniversary silent auction and help fund the year ahead.

    Support Our 125th
The Lamplighter

Stay connected.

Get stories, news, and ways to help from Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind. A few emails a year, and you can unsubscribe any time.