Resources
Whether you are looking for eye care services, helping someone with blindness or low vision find resources, or work in the eye care field yourself, there are a wealth of resources available in South Carolina.
In addition to the individual resource pages featuring Palmetto Vision Alliance Members, these general resources can connect you with additional programs or resources you need.
The Palmetto Vision Alliance strives to provide these helpful resources to the public. Please note that many of the items below link off-site and PVA is not responsible for the content. If you need further assistance, please contact us.
All About Vision
A complete consumer guide to vision and eye care. Learn about eye safety, eye nutrition, LASIK, contact lenses, eye problems and treatments, and much more.
American Academy of Ophthalmology
The mission of the American Academy of Ophthalmology is to protect sight and empower lives by serving as an advocate for patients and the public, leading ophthalmic education, and advancing the profession of ophthalmology.
American Foundation for the Blind
As a national nonprofit with offices in five U.S. cities, the American Foundation for the Blind is a leader in expanding possibilities for the more than 20 million Americans living with vision loss.
CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index
Social vulnerability refers to the potential negative effects on communities caused by external stresses on human health. Such stresses include natural or human-caused disasters, or disease outbreaks. Reducing social vulnerability can decrease both human suffering and economic loss. The CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index (CDC/ATSDR SVI) uses 16 U.S. census variables to help local officials identify communities that may need support before, during, or after disasters.
CDC Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS)
The Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS) brings together new and existing sources of information on vision, eye health, and eye care.
CDC Vision Health Initiative (VHI) – South Carolina State Profile
More than 138,000 people report blindness or severe difficulty seeing even with glasses.
CDC Vision Health Initiative (VHI) – South Carolina State Profile
CDC Vision Loss Economics Explorer
This site provides evidence-based estimates of the economic burden of vision loss nationally and by state, for 2017. Costs of eye care not attributable to vision loss are not included.
For Little Eyes
A community for family and friends of babies, toddlers, and young kids in glasses, eye patches, or contacts.
International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
Founded 1975, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness is an international alliance working to promote eye health. It has over 150 members, mainly NGOs and civil society, corporate organizations, professional bodies and research institutions who are working in the prevention of blindness.
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Leader Dogs for the Blind is a guide dog training organization located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. It was founded in 1939 by Lions Club members.
National Institute of Health – National Eye Institute
Browse or search our resources about dozens of eye conditions and diseases. Get the basics about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments — or go in depth to see all the details.
National Institute of Health – National Eye Institute
Prevent Blindness
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight.
Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings
The RWJF provides county-level data on health factors and health outcomes in every county in South Carolina. While these rankings do not explicitly cover vision or eye health, they offer critical benchmarks well accepted by the nonprofit and healthcare industries that inform our work.
SC.gov
Provides information about state agencies, elected officials, local governments, education, business, tourism and more.
South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
Plans, develops, oversees, and funds services for South Carolinians with severe, lifelong disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, and similar disabilities.
South Carolina Department of Mental Health
Supports the recovery of people with mental illnesses through a statewide network of community mental health centers, clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Provides a complete array of medical and support services for children, adults, and families throughout South Carolina.
South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
Provides an individualized array of services to help people with disabilities find employment.
South Carolina State Library Talking Book Services
This is a consumer resource for obtaining talking book versions of popular magazines, books, and reference materials.
Understanding Vision Problems
The eyes are your body's most highly developed sensory organs. Learn more about some of the basics of what are vision problems and what symptoms you should pay attention to in order to minimize permanent vision loss.
United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Vision
The resolution was unanimously adopted by all 193 countries of the United Nations on 23 July 2021. It is the first agreement designed to tackle preventable sight loss to be adopted at the United Nations and enshrines eye health as part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
VisionServe Alliance – SC’s Older Population & Vision Loss
A current county level report designed to assist policy makers and service providers better understand the characteristics and circumstances of older people with vision impairment in South Carolina.
World Health Organization – World Report On Vision
Produced at the request of Member States during a side event to the 70th World Health Assembly, and with the support of experts from around the world, the report provides evidence on the magnitude of eye conditions and vision impairment globally, draws attention to effective strategies to address eye care, and offers recommendations for action to improve eye care services worldwide.