History of Prevent Blindness Texas Fort Worth Branch

Prevent Blindness Texas Fort Worth Branch was established in 1960 when the President of the Texas Society for the Prevention of Blindness (TSPB) wrote Catherine Alexander about the possibility of providing Prevent Blindness programs in Tarrant County.

With the support of a close personal friend, local ophthalmologist Dr. Harold Beasley, Catherine and others established the Branch to provide free vision screenings for the community.

"The first annual meeting and installation of officers of the Fort Worth Branch was held on February 12, 1960 at Hotel Texas. C. Edward Smith was elected president, succeeding Oliver Morey. Officers were Dr. C. Harold Beasley, medical chairman; Catherine Alexander, secretary; and vice presidents were Robert M Keasler, Thomas L. Miller, and Mrs. Irvin Farman. (from the TSPB 1960 newsletter)

In 1960 the first Prevent Blindness community-wide glaucoma screenings were conducted by local ophthalmologists with the help of volunteers from local Lions Clubs, Lady Lions, and Delta Gamma sorority.

The preschool Vision Screening program was launched in 1965 by Delta Gamma volunteers. At that time vision screening of young school children was not required by the State of Texas. In 1983 the Texas Legislature passed the Special Senses and Communication Disorders Act which requires screening of vision and hearing for children.

The Fort Worth Branch continued to provide free screening programs for children and adults through the 1960s and 1970s with the support of the Branch Board of Directors and other volunteers.

In 1978 the first People of Vision Dinner was held in order to raise funds for a part-time staff person. People of Vision Dinners have been held each year with the exception of the late 1980's when the Branch had an Art Show & auction and a Gone with the Wind Event. Funds raised each year continue to support the free sight saving programs of Prevent Blindness.