Blindness and visual impairments exact a great price from individuals and society. Vision loss can rob people of their independence, mobility, and quality of life. More than seven million people are living with uncorrectable vision loss, including blindness, yet half of all blindness can be prevented. This session will describe common vision disorders, connections to chronic diseases, and the impact of vision loss on mental health, employment and school success for children and adults. Prevent Blindness Presenters (Donna Fishman & Elyse Fineman) will offer strategies for identifying potential vision disorders; initiating vision screening programs; overcoming financial barriers for eye care and treatment in Illinois; and helping those diagnosed with vision disorders with adjustment, support and low vision aids and rehabilitation.