Lighthouse International Expands Online Presence and Acquires eSight.org
WHICH SERVES PEOPLE WHO ARE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND
Move is first phase of an online expansion that will better serve the needs of the growing number of people who are visually impaired
Lighthouse International, a leader in vision healthcare for 103 years, announced today that it is acquiring eSight Careers Network, an online service that offers blind and visually impaired individuals (as well as employers, counselors and social workers) opportunities for interactive career preparation, training and networking with people throughout the world.
Lighthouse International is the premiere location for vision healthcare and is recognized in this country and abroad as a trusted resource for information on eye diseases, prevention and vision health. According to Tara A. Cortes, RN, PhD, President and CEO Lighthouse International, "Acquiring eSight is the first step in expanding our online presence. eSight will enable us to expand our outreach to the visually impaired community, expand our leadership nationwide in career counseling and enhance our in-person career and employment counseling service, which has been operating for decades."
Dr. Cortes continued, "eSight is a welcome addition as we expand to meet the growing need for our programs, services and information. As baby boomers age and more people in this country and abroad develop diseases such as diabetes, we anticipate millions more will suffer from vision loss and need authoritative information on vision healthcare, prevention and treatment -- as well as job placement and career counseling."
In the coming weeks and months, Lighthouse will be integrating eSight into its online presence, as well as revising and updating its medical content, refreshing the site's navigation, and expanding its reach to serve the needs of online job seekers and other communities. Other features currently on the Lighthouse website include: information on accessibility and the latest technologies, information on Lighthouse programs (including the music school, child development center, and center for education), and opportunities to advocate for important legislative issues.
eSight was created, owned and operated by The Associated Blind, Inc. (TAB), a not-for-profit corporation whose programs empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired to lead productive and independent lives by gaining employment and furthering their careers. TAB, which will be acquired by Lighthouse International through this transaction, delivers services through the use of adaptive technology and the programs and virtual community offered by eSight.
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Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss and its causes, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org.