Mission: Established in 1978 by Samuel M. Genensky, Ph.D., The Center for the Partially Sighted is nationally renowned for its programs in low vision care and has continued its dedication to helping partially sighted individuals maximize the use of any remaining vision. As a result of the skills we teach and the special optical and non-optical devices we prescribe, our vision impaired clients of all ages are able to live independently within mainstream society. Our future program plans include expanding our services throughout Southern California.
Target demographics: children and adults -- ages 3 months to over 100 years!
Direct beneficiaries per year: We directly serve over 2800 individual clients per year.
Geographic areas served: We serve Los Angeles County and the six surrounding counties.
Programs: The Center's program includes: Low Vision optometric evaluation and individually prescribed low vision devices to enhance remaining vision; Independent Living Skills training teaches adaptive techniques for cooking , grooming, organizing, and communicating; Orientation and Mobility instruction teaches travel skills so that people can move about safely; The Center's counseling programs assist individuals to cope with the emotional distress brought on by a significant loss of eyesight; and, Social Service referrals help clients find needed resources within their communities. The Center has also developed the specialty programs of: Diabetes and Vision Loss Program; Pediatric Low Vision and Family Resource Programs; Assistive Technology demonstrations and training. Each year we serve 2,500 individuals and their families and offer public and professional education programs that reach nearly 10,000 individuals.
The Center for the Parially Sighted has been helping people for many decades. I have personally heard stories from people who have stated that the services of the Center has had a huge impact on improving their lives. The Center has had an impact on people across generations. Staff who work at the Center are warm and committed to trying to make a difference in those who use their services.
Anyone encountering the founder would have known they were in the presence of an unusual person. When I met him he wore a binoculars around his neck. His Ph.D., Master's and other educational accomplishments were accomplished reading one letter at a time usually by placing his eyeball close to the written item. But his greatest creation was his helping hand to others who had some sight. (He could distinguish light and dark, and that led to knowing which letter his eye was upon.) By focusing on a facility where optical professionals could donate their time and serve the people with some sight, Sam Genensky built an enduring legacy. This organization makes accessible a wide range of assisting devices including the video based system his friends and fellow researchers built for him so he could more efficiently view each letter. People gain visual functionality through the services the center provides. We all benefit from the lobbying efforts and laws (due to Sam California law requires a triangle for male, and a circle for female restroom doors), and the way many in the community can help those who while not blind, have very restricted visual ability.
