BUCKS COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

BUCKS COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED Local non-profit agency in Newtown, PA that provides opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Our Vision is rich, vibrant and independent lives for the blind or visually impaired. Our Mission is to provide resources, answers and support for people with blindness or other visual impairment that maximize their ability to meet life’s daily challenges and realize their continued self-worth and value to our community.

BCABVI Featured in Newtown City Lifestyle!BCABVI was recently approached by Julie Brown Patton, Editor of Newtown City L...
01/28/2026

BCABVI Featured in Newtown City Lifestyle!

BCABVI was recently approached by Julie Brown Patton, Editor of Newtown City Lifestyle Newtown City Lifestyle, who was looking to feature our organization in their February edition.

Her article titled “80 Years of Support” outlines our essential services and programs. BCABVI Executive Director Anne Marie Hyer, MPA, MS, Board President Rande Whitham, and our Client Navigator Judy Frank spoke with Julie for the article:

“Imagine experiencing vision loss, and you don’t know where to turn. Our team understands that experiencing vision loss can be overwhelming. With the community working together, we can change lives.” Anne Marie Hyer stated. “In partnership with our clients, we identify the right combination of services, vision evaluations, assistive technology, education, resources and support needed for personal success,” Anne Marie remarked.

Rande Whitham mentioned to Julie our public awareness and educational services: “We offer presentations that explain causes, symptoms, and impacts of eye diseases, implications and prevention of vision loss, and teach best practices to support people with visual impairments.” - Rande Whitham

In the article, Judy Frank emphasized the importance of listening to our clients. “People come to us in various emotional states, all acknowledging varying degrees of independence loss…People often just need to be heard to lower their anxiety or sadness. This helps them to feel hopeful. With hope, they’re more inclined to genuinely want and participate in their rehabilitation and discover new ways to live a rich life.” - Judy Frank

For more information about BCABVI’s essential services and programs for you or a loved one, please visit our website at https://www.bucksblind.org or call us at 215.968.9400.

To read Julie Brown Patton’s article, please visit: https://citylifestyle.com/newtown/issues/2026-02. Newtown City Lifestyle magazine serves the Newtown, New Hope, Upper Makefield, Washington Crossing, and Wrightstown areas.

Our office will be closed today due to inclement weather.
01/26/2026

Our office will be closed today due to inclement weather.

Our Clients Are Event Planners!January kicked off the first meeting of the year for our Client Event Planning Committee....
01/21/2026

Our Clients Are Event Planners!

January kicked off the first meeting of the year for our Client Event Planning Committee. The committee consists of a group of 10 BCABVI clients, led by Deb B., who meet virtually to plan upcoming monthly client events, ensuring these activities are fun and engaging.

At the meeting, the committee outlined this year's activities, which include bingo, a tote bag workshop, sports day, trivia, and much more. Additionally, the committee planned the menus for lunches that will be served at the events.

Marcie, our Vision Services Facilitator, is the liaison for the group, facilitating and coordinating the events with our clients.

“Clients need a voice in what they are participating in. It’s important that the activities we offer are what the clients want to do and are interested in. These 10 individuals have a finger on the pulse of everyone who is a part of our services. They give suggestions, everyone is heard, and they are accommodating.” - Marcie Filiano

Our client committee members shared their thoughts on the importance of these events:

These activities are a helpful way to meet up with friends and people you haven’t met before. - Deb B.
It’s a great first-time experience for people, talking to others, and having a good time. - Lottie W.
These activities break the ice for new clients. - Joe S.
Sometimes this is the only time people get out. - Dolly C.

Many thanks to our clients for helping to make our in-person events a success.

Our Second Look Newtown Thrift Shop client volunteers are having a good time while helping the shop!
01/16/2026

Our Second Look Newtown Thrift Shop client volunteers are having a good time while helping the shop!

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, and 2026 brings new hope in the treatment of glaucoma!The Mayo Clinic defi...
01/14/2026

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, and 2026 brings new hope in the treatment of glaucoma!

The Mayo Clinic defines Glaucoma as an eye condition that damages the optic nerve.” It is the leading cause of blindness for people 60 and older.

Symptoms of Glaucoma (Vary Depending On Type & Stage) Include:
Patchy blind spots in peripheral vision
Halos around lights
Blurred vision
In later stages, difficulty seeing things in central vision

There are significant emerging treatment options for glaucoma in 2026. Per Dr. Joel S. Schuman, M, FACS, vice chair for research innovation and co-director of the glaucoma services at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, treatments on the horizon for glaucoma include*:

Automated detection of glaucoma progression using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This noninvasive imaging works like an ultrasound but uses light instead.

Home/remote monitoring of intraocular (eye) pressure, including home tonometry, virtual reality, or home visual field, and early handheld kiosk-type OCT.

Sustained release or controlled release drug delivery.

New selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) device. SLT is a quick, non-invasive laser procedure that drains fluid out of the eye and lowers the pressure of the disease.

Tips For Gluacoma Prevention
Get regular eye exams - early treatment can slow down and/or stop glaucoma’s progression
Keep blood pressure & blood sugar levels under control
Exercise
Quit smoking - smoking increases the risk of eye disease, including glaucoma

For more information about these exciting emerging technologies for glaucoma treatment, visit: https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/innovations-in-glaucoma-poised-for-breakthrough-in-2026-and-what-might-hold-the-back-

*Source: Ophthalmology Times

As we enter a new year, we wanted to thank all of you. Because of your support, we can continue to help our clients lead...
01/09/2026

As we enter a new year, we wanted to thank all of you. Because of your support, we can continue to help our clients lead rich, vibrant, and independent lives.

In 2026, as our country celebrates its 250th Anniversary, we remain committed to providing the best possible support for our visually impaired and blind clients. In addition to our essential services, the following are some highlights for 2026:

Aging In Place With the senior citizen population in Bucks County projected to increase by 11% over the next five years, BCABVI will proactively assess our current services, resources, and capacity to provide added support.

Low Vision Clinic Services: As demand for our services grows and the number of practicing low vision doctors declines, we will explore new ways to provide our clients with access to the most effective and timely services while maintaining the highest quality of care.

Children & Families: We will update our Family Resource Guide to empower parents to be effective advocates for their children. Additionally, we will monitor legislation affecting children with vision impairments and educate our local legislators about the importance of our preschool vision screening program on childhood development.

If you haven’t yet seen our 2025 80th Anniversary Edition Impact Report, please visit:https://www.bucksblind.org/_files/ugd/e3e24d_9ce989576a884e09bedb9e60b3643f25.pdf

Wishing all of you the best for 2026.

Wishing you and your loved ones peace, good health, love & joy in 2026!Happy New Year!
01/01/2026

Wishing you and your loved ones peace, good health, love & joy in 2026!

Happy New Year!

All of us at BCABVI would like to wish you and your family the warmest wishes for a safe, healthy, peaceful, and joyous ...
12/25/2025

All of us at BCABVI would like to wish you and your family the warmest wishes for a safe, healthy, peaceful, and joyous holiday season.

As we wrap up another year at BCABVI, we have so much to be thankful for and reflect on. 2025 marked our organization’s ...
12/23/2025

As we wrap up another year at BCABVI, we have so much to be thankful for and reflect on. 2025 marked our organization’s 80th Anniversary - a milestone for our organization that reflects our commitment, purpose, and endurance. Founded in 1945, we continue to give our clients hope, confidence, and independence with the support and expertise of our dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, and board members.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our donors. Your contributions help us empower and continue to provide essential services and programs to our blind and visually impaired clients. We simply cannot do this impactful work without your continued support. If you haven’t donated yet this year, there’s still time to make a tax-deductible donation by mail to BCABVI, 400 Freedom Drive, Newtown, PA 18940, or online by clicking here. Thank you!

We look forward to continuing our work in 2026 and having you as part of our BCABVI community.

From everyone at BCABVI, we wish all of you, your family, and friends a joyous holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

We're in a festive mood at BCABVI! Enjoy some pictures of our staff's decorated doors & windows!
12/23/2025

We're in a festive mood at BCABVI! Enjoy some pictures of our staff's decorated doors & windows!

BCABVI will be closed from 12 pm today through January 2nd. We will reopen on Monday, January 5th. Thank you for support...
12/23/2025

BCABVI will be closed from 12 pm today through January 2nd. We will reopen on Monday, January 5th.

Thank you for supporting our work and helping us provide essential services and programs to our blind and visually impaired clients. Your contribution helps our clients lead rich, vibrant, and independent lives.

We wish everyone a joyous holiday season!

Our Clients Had A Jolly Time At Our Holiday Party!Yesterday’s in-person holiday party was a wonderful opportunity for ou...
12/17/2025

Our Clients Had A Jolly Time At Our Holiday Party!

Yesterday’s in-person holiday party was a wonderful opportunity for our clients to get together before the holidays. Many dressed in their favorite holiday attire, exchanged gifts, and brought their holiday cheer!

The event featured trivia, prizes, take-home bags, but most importantly, it provided our clients a chance to catch up, share stories, and enjoy camaraderie. Marcie led the group with trivia and holiday songs, and we were impressed by their singing abilities - check out the video at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gxDTjijJ1Q8!

People who experience vision loss often face anxiety and feelings of isolation. In-person events like this provide a valuable opportunity for our clients to come together and socialize, foster a sense of belonging and well-being, and remind them that they are not alone in their vision loss journey.

A big thank you to all staff and our Board Member Marc Winokur, who helped make yesterday extra special. Thanks as well to for catering our tasty Italian lunch!

Stay tuned for next week’s Blink!

Address

400 Freedom Drive
Newtown, PA
18940

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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Our Story

Our Vision is rich, vibrant and independent lives for the blind or visually impaired. Our Mission is to provide resources, answers and support for people with blindness or other visual impairment that maximize their ability to meet life’s daily challenges and realize their continued self-worth and value to our community.