5 things to know before you go: 1. SFTB is a non-profit organization and that is exactly what the staff is doing- non-profitting. They are paid minimum wage to do the job of 5 or more people, so if you are receiving services, please keep this in mind. Every single person in this building is working there for the love of what they do: helping others. Unfortunately, this means that services (especially when working with government agencies) may be slower than a profiting doctor's office or clinic. 2. Two new doctors and a new director are now running the low-vision clinic (as of Fall 2023). 3. The store, although conveniently located on-site, is not part of SFTB; they work together to help patients and customers find what equipment works best for them but are not owned by this non-profit. 4. Everyone. Everyone. Let me say it again: Every.single.person is overworked and underpaid. They do this for the love of others and the low vision and blind community. Finding people who are willing to do this work for the minimum they are paid in this day and age is almost impossible, and yet they keep the lights on. 5. There are few, if ANY, cures for low vision or blindness. This non-profit will not heal your vision problems, perform procedures, or cure you of your vision issues. If you have this expectation upon arrival, you will be disappointed. It is a rehabilitation center that allows someone with novel or familiar vision loss to navigate the world around them (in a new way) when they are ready. They teach classes (like cooking, navigating, and basic skills), offer resources and the doctors in the low vision clinic make recommendations for equipment that can assist a person with vision loss, instead of having them rely on guessing which type of magnifier or device works while wasting money. Think of it like not knowing what size clothing you wear, going to a seamstress and having them tell you exactly what size dress, pants or other will fit you so that you don't go buying unnecessary items. Vision loss is a spectrum and everyone has different needs; the doctors here can pinpoint, through assessment, what these needs for that individual are and help guide them. This place is called a Society because of the community that has grown from its selfless acts of service and its benefit to those who want to be treated no different than a sighted person. So, if you understand all of this going in, I think that your experience there will be much more rewarding. It is a wonderful, loving, and humorous place that advocates for people while helping them find their way. It is a place to gain support and knowledge for those struggling with vision loss. Please be kind.
