Did you know that the work done in an office situated near the I-79 ramp in Millcreek spans seven counties, an zeros in on preventing sight loss in Northwest Pennsylvania?

This artwork is the creation of an Erie County resident, who lost her vision from a brain aneurysm 26 years ago.

"There is always something new and something to learn whether you have vision or not," said Susan McNeish

Susan McNeish was recommended to the Sight Center of Northwest Pennsylvania, and through support from leaders there, was given tools to earn a bachelor's and master's degree.

She is now the agency's Group Services Coordinator. Her and her seeing-eye dog help countless others navigate vision loss.

"The mission of the Sight Center is twofold," said Linda Moore, Executive Director. "It's to prevent blindness and to promote independence for those with vision loss and for those who are blind."

Linda Moore is the Executive Director of the Sight Center, which has a presence in seven Northwest Pennsylvania counties.

From employing certified screeners to do preschool eye exams, and providing people with transportation to medical and other appointments.

"Part of our transportation specialized support service, is bill paying, banking, grocery shopping," said Moore. 

The Sight Center of NWPA works with Erie Retina Research to provide optometrists here in this low-vision clinic. It's a chance for people to come in and get checked out to find out the breadth of their remaining vision so that they can use it to live more independently. And it's all for free.

The locally-based accredited Sight Center is also growing a national diabetes prevention program right here.

Becca Swick—whose dad was the longtime former Sight Center Executive Director—holds that mission dear.

"Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age individuals," said Becca. 

This CDC-inspired program is brought out to locations across the region for a one-year commitment to reverse prediabetes and prevent type 2.

"We coach our participants through lifestyle changes, rebalancing nutrition," said Becca. 

As a staff of about a dozen keeps "vision issues" — the hallmark of the Sight Center.