NEW YORK, April 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Lighthouse Guild, the leading not-for-profit vision + healthcare organization, today marks its official launch as a combined organization following the successful merger of Jewish Guild Healthcare and Lighthouse International, two of the most well respected vision care organizations in the world.

In recognition of Lighthouse Guild’s more than 200 combined years of knowledge and experience serving people who are blind and visually impaired, New York City officials including Mayor Bill de Blasio, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and City Council Members Daniel Garodnick and Helen Rosenthal proclaimed today as “Lighthouse Guild Vision Awareness Day.” Additionally, New York State Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried, State Senator Liz Krueger, and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer called attention to Lighthouse Guild’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.

The official Mayoral proclamation observed, “For decades, Lighthouse International and Jewish Guild Healthcare have provided the highest quality vision care and health services to our residents…My administration and I are committed to ensuring that all our residents, no matter what obstacles they have to overcome, have an equal chance at success, and the Lighthouse Guild is sure to be an important ally in this mission.”

“The merger of Jewish Guild Healthcare and Lighthouse International is a great step for both institutions,” said Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. “I’ve worked with them for years, and together they will form New York’s leading healthcare organization for the blind or visually impaired. I look forward to working with Lighthouse Guild as a both a healthcare provider and as an advocate for New Yorkers with vision loss.”

“Lighthouse Guild has more than 200 combined years of knowledge and experience in vision care, more than anyone, anywhere. And now, our integrated vision + healthcare services will improve the lives of more people in more places than ever before,” said James Dubin, Chairman of the Board of Lighthouse Guild. “With two centuries of service and experience, we bring a level of understanding and expertise to vision care that is unequaled.”

“Our work at Lighthouse Guild is centered on helping people through delivery of a wide spectrum of high quality, integrated programs and services that address the special needs of people with vision loss,” said Alan R. Morse, JD, PhD, President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild. “We spend a great deal of time with our patients, which gives us a unique perspective on needs and service delivery, special capabilities in professional training, and an important role as an advocate for informed policymaking.”

Awareness and Access
In addition to providing broader access to quality programs and services, Lighthouse Guild is dedicated to building community awareness and advocacy for issues affecting those who are blind, have vision loss, or chronic conditions such as diabetes. On April 11, the organization is partnering with State Senator Adriano Espaillat and Councilmember Mark Levine to educate West Harlem residents at a diabetes awareness and prevention event at the Wilson Major Morris Community Center.

Lighthouse Guild’s innovative and comprehensive approach to vision + healthcare seeks to prevent new cases of vision impairment and blindness, while helping people of all ages living with vision loss to achieve and maintain the highest possible levels of functioning and independence. Lighthouse Guild’s programs are comprehensive, multidisciplinary and person-centered, and include medical services, behavioral health care, vision rehabilitation, GuildNet health plans, adult day care programs, and specialized schools for students aged 3 to 21.

The organization’s 850-person staff is dedicated to serving people across New York State and throughout the U.S. and the world. For more information on Lighthouse Guild’s programs and services, please visit www.lighthouseguild.org.

About Lighthouse Guild
Lighthouse Guild is the leading not-for-profit vision + healthcare organization with a long history of addressing the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities or chronic medical conditions. By integrating vision + healthcare services and expanding access through education and awareness, we help people lead productive, dignified and fulfilling lives. With more than 200 years of combined experience and service, Lighthouse Guild brings a level of understanding to vision care that is unmatched. For more information, visit lighthouseguild.org.

SOURCE Lighthouse Guild