Vision loss can affect nearly every aspect of daily life, from reading and mobility to social interaction and emotional well-being. At Illinois Eye Center, our mission is to protect, preserve, and restore vision, but we also know that living with partial or complete vision loss requires ongoing support beyond medical treatment.
Fortunately, Central Illinois is home to several outstanding organizations that provide programs, education, and technology to help individuals with vision impairment maintain independence and quality of life. Whether you or a loved one is experiencing vision loss, the following community resources can make a meaningful difference.
Central Illinois Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CICBVI)
Location: 2905 W. Garden St., Peoria
Website: cicbvi.org
The Central Illinois Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired has long been a cornerstone of support in the Peoria area. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to improve the quality of life for people living with uncorrectable vision loss through programs and services that meet their emotional, educational, social, and cultural needs.
Technology Center
The Center’s Technology Center helps individuals access the tools needed to stay connected and independent. Available resources include:
- PC workstations with screen reading programs
- Computer training and internet access
- WeWalk canes, magnifiers, and other assistive devices
- Voice-activated smart speakers, talking products, and Braille embossers
- Games and independent living aids for daily use
Education Programs
Education is a central part of CICBVI’s work. The Center offers beginner and intermediate White Cane Clinics, where participants learn navigation skills with certified specialists. There’s also a Technology Help Center, where people can get hands-on instruction with assistive tech. In addition, “pop-up” educational sessions cover topics from nutrition to new accessibility devices, often inspired by community suggestions.
Social and Transportation Programs
CICBVI also prioritizes social well-being. Monthly programs often include meals, games, and entertainment, while field trips offer opportunities for enrichment and connection. For those living within a 15-mile radius of Peoria, free transportation is available to and from Center-sponsored activities via accessible vehicles designed for comfort and safety.
Other Services
Additional programs include a Food Pantry, assistive technology loaner program, and personal assistance with forms, Braille, and mail. Together, these services help individuals maintain independence and community connection.
TCRC Sight Center
Location: Morton, IL
Website: tcrcorg.com
The TCRC Sight Center provides innovative low-vision and rehabilitation services to help individuals remain independent and self-sufficient. The Center offers a holistic approach to vision loss that extends beyond medical treatment, focusing on helping individuals live and thrive with visual impairment.
At the heart of the Sight Center’s work are low-vision optometric assessments, mobility training, and specialized computer technology instruction. They also provide optical aids and devices tailored to each person’s needs.
In addition to low-vision services, TCRC offers:
- Career training and employment support for individuals entering or re-entering the workforce
- Family support services to help loved ones understand and adapt
- Transportation assistance, helping clients access appointments and community activities
By combining medical, practical, and emotional resources, the TCRC Sight Center plays an essential role in helping Central Illinois residents with vision loss maintain independence.
The Center for Sight and Hearing
Location: Morton, IL
Website: cshni.org
The Center for Sight and Hearing is another vital resource for Central Illinois residents. It provides vision rehabilitation services, a collection of therapies and training programs designed to help individuals adapt to life with vision loss that cannot be corrected through glasses, contacts, medication, or surgery.
Who Can Benefit from Vision Rehabilitation?
Vision rehabilitation helps people experiencing low vision or blindness caused by conditions such as:
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Stroke-related vision loss
Services Offered
Programs at the Center for Sight and Hearing include:
- Training in magnifiers and low-vision devices
- Orientation and mobility training, including safe navigation with a cane
- Daily living skills instruction, such as cooking and managing medications
- Assistive technology training (screen readers, voice-activated devices, etc.)
- Emotional support and counseling to help individuals and families adjust to vision changes
Who Qualifies?
These services are free to qualifying residents of Central Illinois Region 3 counties. Eligible individuals must be 18 or older, have a diagnosed vision impairment, and reside within the designated service area.
Building a Network of Support
While medical care is an important part of managing vision loss, so is community. Each of these organizations provides a unique set of services designed to empower individuals to live independently and with confidence. Whether it’s learning new skills, connecting with others, or accessing assistive technology, the support available across Central Illinois is remarkable.
At Illinois Eye Center, we are proud to partner with and refer patients to these organizations when additional resources are needed. Our team of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and vision specialists are committed to helping every patient achieve their best possible quality of life, no matter where they are on their vision journey.
If you or a loved one are experiencing vision loss, we encourage you to explore these community resources and speak with your Illinois Eye Center provider about the services and support that may benefit you most.