Due to Difficult Economy, Lighthouse International to Close Hudson Valley Office by February 27, 2009
Clients will continue to receive services though contracts, referrals and through other ways
Due to the unprecedented series of events in the past two months and the profound effect on the economy, Lighthouse International, a leader in vision health care for 103 years, is closing the Hudson Valley Regional Office located in White Plains by February 27, 2009 while continuing to serve its clients in need of vision rehabilitation.
During this transition period most clients will continue to receive services either in the community, through referrals or at the Lighthouse Manhattan headquarters. Clients of the Hudson Valley Regional office located in White Plains have received letters explaining the transition period and how their services will continue.
Clients receiving community-based services such as vision rehabilitation, orientation and mobility and vision rehabilitation therapy will continue to receive community based services under the Lighthouse contract with the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped with no interruption in their services. Staffing will be managed through the Manhattan headquarters, thereby consolidating administrative functions to achieve economies of scale. In addition, clients of early intervention services in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess and the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver will also continue to be served.
Low vision clients will continue to be treated five days a week until February 27th at which point they will be referred to doctors and specialists in the area or can be treated at Lighthouse International’s midtown Manhattan headquarters. The dispensary and Lighthouse Store will operate five days a week through February 27th
According to Tara A. Cortes PhD, RN, President and CEO of Lighthouse International, "We will continue to serve the people of the community and appreciate their cooperation during this transition period."
Dr. Cortes adds, "Like corporations, government agencies and non-profit organizations nationwide, the economic situation has forced us to closely scrutinize the essence of what we do in order to most effectively implement our strategic plan. It is imperative that we remain fiscally sound and well-managed to meet the growing demand for our services during the coming decades.
In addition, we will aggressively pursue new opportunities for revenue, through new services (such as an expanded dispensary and product line), increased rental of space in our facility and philanthropy."
Despite an uncertain economic climate, Dr. Cortes added, "There are some things about which we can be certain. The vision loss epidemic is not going away. Millions of Americans will be affected by serious vision loss through macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and other eye diseases in the coming decades. This makes our work more relevant through the greater New York area and beyond. Our organization is strong, and by reducing its size and breadth, while maintaining its core, we will grow stronger."
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
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