Lighthouse Guild Receives $32,000 Grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind to Launch Vision Wellness Initiative for Older Adults

Partnership with Health Advocates for Older People will expand early detection, education, and services for seniors experiencing age-related vision loss in New York City

NEW YORK, March 3, 2026 — Lighthouse Guild, the leading organization helping people who are blind or have experienced vision loss lead independent lives, today announced it has received a $32,000 grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind for a new program supporting older adults navigating age-related vision loss. The condition affects one in three adults over the age of 60, yet often goes unaddressed until it significantly impacts mobility, safety, and quality of life.

Developed in partnership with Health Advocates for Older People, the initiative is designed to promote early detection, education, and individualized support for older adults experiencing age-related vision loss. 

Maggie Walters, Director of Outreach and Support Programs at Lighthouse Guild, said: “Age-related vision loss is incredibly common, but it doesn’t have to be isolating. This initiative is about making sure older New Yorkers have the information, the tools, and the support they need to stay safe and independent — ideally long before vision loss becomes a crisis.”

The program will be implemented through a three-tiered approach: staff and instructor training at Health Advocates to build organizational capacity for recognizing and responding to vision decline; interactive community education workshops for older adults on eye health; and individualized assessments and follow-up sessions for older adults referred through the program, paired with in-home safety consultations to support independence.

“Health Advocates has a long history of working in partnership with other community organizations, and we are excited about this partnership,” said Laura Colin Klein, Executive Director of Health Advocates. “We are enthusiastic about sharing essential information about vision loss and rehabilitation services to promote health and well-being of our members and to supporting more older adults with vision loss through our services.”

The collaboration brings together Health Advocates’ three decades of trusted community relationships  with Lighthouse Guild’s nationally recognized expertise in helping people experiencing vision loss live independently, including the only specialized adult day health care program for people with vision loss in New York State. 

“The Lavelle Fund for the Blind is delighted to support this collaborative initiative between two of New York City’s finest agencies serving older adults in the community,” says Susan Olivo, the Fund’s Executive Director & CEO. “The intersection between aging and vision loss is significant, and with limited funding available for this population, there is a huge need for more intersectional support programs that help older adults with vision loss remain independent and safe in their environments. We sincerely hope this becomes a model for future service delivery.” said Susan Olivo, Executive Director and CEO of the Lavelle Fund for the Blind.

About Lighthouse Guild

Lighthouse Guild is committed to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are blind or visually impaired to reach their goals. Through vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, mental health services, and innovative programming, Lighthouse Guild is dedicated to breaking barriers and enhancing lives. For more information visit lighthouseguild.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

About Health Advocates for Older People

Founded in 1986, Health Advocates for Older People promotes safe and healthy aging through programs designed to facilitate independent living, physical well-being and social connection. Programs are available free of charge to all adults age 60+. For more information, visit www.hafop.org or follow us on Instagram

About the Lavelle Fund for the Blind

The Lavelle Fund for the Blind is a charitable grant-making foundation dedicated primarily to supporting programs that help individuals who are blind or visually impaired live independent and productive lives.

Media Contact

Media Contact: Civic PR |  lighthouseguildpr@civic-us.com