Chelmsford, MA - Optelec US, Inc. a manufacturer of products for people who are blind and partially sighted has announced that is has purchased the Professional Products Division of Lighthouse International, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help people overcome the challenges of vision impairment.
Located in Escondido, California, Lighthouse Professional Products is a leading supplier to the eye care professional of approximately 2,500 products for people who are blind and partially sighted, including closed circuit television, magnifiers, and telescopes. In addition to this acquisition, Optelec and Lighthouse International have entered into an ongoing, long-term partnership to provide education, advocacy and awareness programs to medical, allied health, and rehabilitation professionals.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Lighthouse International in helping to create a greater awareness of visual impairment, as well as the products and services available to assist these individuals to continue to live active and independent lives,” stated Michael van Schaik, CEO of Optelec, Inc.
This initiative fits perfectly with our strategic direction in providing a comprehensive spectrum of solutions to all market segments serving this population.”“The acquisition of our Professional Products Division by Optelec, Inc., and the formation of a new partnership between the two organizations, is ideal for Lighthouse International, allowing us to continue to fulfill our mission of helping people who are blind and partially sighted to live independent lives, while discontinuing our role as a distributor of professional products,” said Barbara Silverstone, DSW, President and CEO, Lighthouse International. With Americans living significantly longer lives, vision loss from eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy has become a public health issue among older people. In the United States alone, 16.5 million persons over age 45 report having vision loss.* People are considered to have vision loss when their eyesight cannot be corrected by ordinary glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery.
About Lighthouse International
Lighthouse International is a leading resource worldwide on vision impairment and vision rehabilitation. Through its pioneering work in vision rehabilitation services, education, research, prevention and advocacy, Lighthouse International enables people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted to lead independent and productive lives. Founded in 1905 and headquartered in New York, Lighthouse International is a not-for-profit organization, and depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations. For more information, please visit http://www.lighthouse.org or call 800-829-0500.
Optelec U.S., Inc.
Optelec, a member of the Tieman Group, is the U.S. market leader for products that allow individuals with impaired vision, including macular degeneration, to perform many of their normal activities and to remain independent. The company's premier product lines, the ClearView video magnifier and the Voyager Braille display, combine outstanding optical technology with ease of use and have received broad endorsement from users and eye care professionals. Optelec, headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts, continually develops new products for individuals with impaired vision. The company's products are available exclusively through authorized dealers and licensed eye care professionals. For more information, call 1-800-826-4200 or visit the Optelec web site at www.optelec.com.