Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1931 that delivers education, vision care, employment training, and accessibility services to over 90,000 blind and visually impaired individuals annually through statewide programs including the Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program and the CVI Collaborative Center.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1931
- HeadquartersMiami, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired does
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1931 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, operating Florida's largest and oldest service organization for the blind and visually impaired community. The organization delivers a portfolio of programs spanning the full life cycle: the Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program (statewide free comprehensive eye exams and prescription eyeglasses for financially disadvantaged Pre-K through 12 students, delivered through four mobile eye clinics and a 1,000+ optometrist referral network); the Miami Lighthouse Academy (NAC- and AER-accredited inclusive early childhood education); employment and pre-employment transition training for adults; the CVI Collaborative Center (Florida's first center addressing cortical visual impairment in children); adaptive sports including a blind soccer program tied to FIFA World Cup 2026 legacy; and LighthouseShop.org, an e-commerce channel for assistive technology devices such as OrCam MyEye wearable AI. Core technology deployed includes Braille instruction, screen readers, screen enlargement software, alternative input devices, and website accessibility compliance auditing to WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
The business model is a hybrid nonprofit funding stack: individual and corporate donations (with cryptocurrency acceptance and matching campaigns), government contracts (Florida Department of Health, The Children's Trust, Miami-Dade County, Children's Services Council of Broward, federal NEA grants), foundation grants (Honda USA Foundation, Delta Gamma, Lions Clubs International, Quantum, Baptist Health, Batchelor, Health Foundation of South Florida), corporate sponsorships (Florida Panthers $100K gift, Marlins Foundation $300K+ cumulative), fee-for-service revenue from the Low Vision Center and Website Accessibility consulting, and event-driven fundraising (Music Under the Stars, Bouldering for Blindness, Cars for Charity, Beeping Easter Egg Hunt). All direct services to clients are free at point of delivery. Reach is statewide in Florida with national and international program impact, serving 90,000+ individuals annually across 28,374 program participants.
Recent strategic posture shows sustained expansion: a 30,000 SF facility buildout by Miller Construction, Florida's first CVI Center opening in 2021, a Roborock Classroom and FIFA WC 2026 activation in 2026, and a Global Win in the Otis Made to Move Communities Challenge 2025. Governance is via an independent board of directors led by CEO Virginia Jacko, with no parent organization. Accreditations include NAC since 1978, AER since 2017, and 14 consecutive Charity Navigator 4-star ratings through 2024, placing the organization in the top 1% of U.S. nonprofits.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Legal name
- Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc.
- Website
- https://miamilighthouse.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1931
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1931 that delivers education, vision care, employment training, and accessibility services to over 90,000 blind and visually impaired individuals annually through statewide programs including the Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program and the CVI Collaborative Center.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Vision Rehabilitation and Blind Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Offices of Optometrists (62132)
- SIC
- Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Ophthalmic Goods (3851), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Vision Impairment & Blind/Low-Vision Inclusive Childcare (HSAAAIAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Accessibility & Universal Design Consulting (HSABAJAB), Reading Glasses (OTC) (CRAAAKAG)
Keywords
Where Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Miami
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donations, corporate donations, cryptocurrency donations accepted. Your donation will be doubled campaign, major donor programs, and The Wildflower Challenge matching program.
- Government Contracts and Grants: Funding from Florida Department of Health for Heiken Children's Vision Program, grants from The Children's Trust, The Children's Services Council of Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and federal grants including NEA $30,000 grant, Honda USA Foundation $70,000 grant, Delta Gamma Foundation Service for Sight Grant, FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee grants
- Program Fees and Services: Fees for services including Low Vision Center (LighthouseShop.org) sales, Miami Lighthouse Academy tuition, professional services for ADA compliance consulting and website accessibility audits
- Foundation and Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, charity partnerships with Marlins Foundation, Panthers Foundation, Dolphins, and event-based fundraising through galas and community events
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | Free vision care for financially disadvantaged Pre-K through 12 students |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Low Vision Center retail products |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nonprofit service organization providing education, training, research, and vision enhancement programs to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages across Florida. Its core offerings include the statewide Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program (free comprehensive eye exams and eyeglasses for low-income students via four mobile eye clinics and a 1,000+ optometrist network), inclusive childhood education at Miami Lighthouse Academy, the CVI Collaborative Center (Florida's first center for pediatric cortical visual impairment), Pre-Employment Transition Programs for adults, LighthouseShop.org retail of assistive technology, and ADA website accessibility consulting.
Product overview
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nonprofit service organization offering a portfolio of programs rather than a unified software product. Core offerings include the Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program (statewide free eye exams and glasses via mobile clinics), Miami Lighthouse Academy (inclusive early childhood education), LighthouseShop.org (assistive technology e-commerce), Website Accessibility Services (ADA consulting), CVI Collaborative Center (pediatric vision impairment services), Blind Soccer Program, and the Vision Insights Podcast. These services collectively serve over 90,000 blind and visually impaired individuals annually from babies to seniors statewide, nationally, and internationally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LightLine: E-Newsletter of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind
- Vision Insights
- Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program
- CVI Collaborative Center
Products and services
- Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program Statewide program providing free comprehensive eye exams and prescription eyeglasses to financially disadvantaged Pre-K through 12 students who fail state-mandated vision screenings, delivered through four mobile eye clinics and a network of over 1,000 participating optometrists.
- Miami Lighthouse Academy Inclusive early childhood education program for children with visual impairments, accredited by NAC and AER, operating as a Florida Gold Seal and APPLE accredited Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program.
- LighthouseShop.org Low Vision Center Online retail storefront offering the latest assistive technology and healthcare devices for the blind and visually impaired, including OrCam MyEye wearable AI, braille technology, screen reading and enlargement software, and alternative keyboard input devices.
- Website Accessibility Services (ADA Compliance) Consulting and auditing service helping businesses, government agencies, and organizations achieve ADA and WCAG 2.0 Level AA website accessibility compliance, with staff using assistive technologies including screen readers and screen enlargement software to test implementations and provide free initial consultations.
- CVI Collaborative Center Florida's first center addressing cortical/cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in children, providing assessment, intervention, family support, and clinical expert panel collaboration across pediatric and academic partners.
- Blind Soccer Program Comprehensive adaptive sports program featuring blind soccer (football 5-a-side) on an on-campus mini pitch, partnering with Roborock, FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee, and USA Blind Soccer, including blind soccer player activations and the Roborock Classroom.
Quantifiable outcome
- 77% of surveyed families reported child improved in school because of Heiken Program services
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- RoborockflagshipRoborock partnered with Miami Lighthouse for Blind Soccer demonstration and ribbon-cutting ceremony for new Roborock Classroom. Supported blind soccer program with FIFA World Cup 2026 activation at Aventura Mall featuring blind soccer player Oseas De Leon. FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee blind soccer grant activation at Miami Lighthouse campus mini pitch.
- Miami Marlins/Marlins FoundationcoreTwo-time Charity Partner (2013, 2014) and 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game Legacy Partner. Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program received over $300,000 through partnerships. Beep ball programs, touch tours, sensory experiences, and vision care events at schools.
- Florida Panthers/Florida Panthers FoundationcoreHockey clinics for visually impaired youth; touch tours at FLA Live Arena; mobile eye exam unit with $100,000+ gift assuring eye care services for low-income children; partnership for adaptive sports programs.
- Inter Miami CFcorePartnered with Florida Blue to host Fútbol Clinic for Miami Lighthouse Pre-Employment Transition Program students, providing sports experiences and employment training opportunities.
- Miami DolphinsminorWearable AI donations (OrCam MyEye) to Miami Lighthouse; holiday gift programs providing experiences for visually impaired individuals.
- Florida BluecorePre-Employment Transition Program partnership with Inter Miami CF; Living with Low Vision virtual series sponsorship; Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion (7 years); job training and employment programs.
- Bascom Palmer Eye InstitutecoreCVI Expert Panel featuring Dr. Carlos Mendoza from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, collaborating on Florida's CVI Center addressing pediatric visual impairment.
- Nicklaus Children's HospitalcoreCVI Expert Panel featuring Dr. Anuj Jayakar, Medical Director of Neurocritical Care Program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital Brain Institute for CVI center collaboration.
- The Beacon CouncilcoreReceived Beacon Award in Education at 13th Annual Beacon Council Awards; Miami-Dade County's official economic development organization.
- ABLE UnitedminorStrategic partner with ABLE United, Florida's disability savings program, helping individuals with disabilities save for the future.
- WaymominorMiami Lighthouse featured in Waymo blog announcing autonomous ride accessibility for Miami, discussing making ridesharing accessible for the blind and visually impaired.
- Formula EminorFormula E X Sustainability partnership at Miami E-Prix, Miami Lighthouse involved in community accessibility and inclusion initiatives.
- The Collection McLarenminorCars for Charity events showcasing high-performance supercars to blind students for sensory experiences.
- OtisflagshipMiami Lighthouse named Global Winner in Otis Made to Move Communities Challenge 2025, promoting accessibility and inclusion.
- University of MiamicoreHOPE Day service partnership; CVI Expert Panel collaboration with Dr. Carlos Mendoza from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
- Purdue UniversityminorEngineering Accessibility feature and alumni spotlight of CEO Virginia Jacko as Purdue HHS alumna.
- Israeli Institution (ORT Israel)minorPartnership with Israeli institution for technology sharing, specifically Israeli technology helping the blind read.
- Food For ThoughtminorFood For Thought visits Miami Lighthouse for the Blind providing meals and support services.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Aira Tech Corp: Aira provides on-demand visual interpretation services via smart glasses and remote agents for blind and low vision users. Comparable as an emerging assistive-tech service for the visually impaired, competing for the same end-user population and donor/partnership interest.
- Be My Eyes: Be My Eyes connects blind and low vision users with sighted volunteers and AI for visual assistance via smartphone. Comparable as an emerging free/sponsored visual-assistance platform that competes for end-user adoption and corporate partnerships in the visually impaired space.
Direct peers
- Chicago Lighthouse: Chicago Lighthouse is one of the largest social enterprises in the U.S. serving the blind and visually impaired, offering employment, assistive technology, vision rehabilitation, and low vision products. Comparable mission and service breadth to Miami Lighthouse with a longer-tenured industrial/program services model.
- Lighthouse Guild: Lighthouse Guild is a New York-based nonprofit providing rehabilitation, education, and healthcare services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Directly comparable as a multi-service blind/visually impaired organization with a similarly broad portfolio spanning direct services, low vision products, and accessibility consulting.
- Lighthouse for the Blind of Houston: Lighthouse Houston operates manufacturing, employment programs, assistive technology, and youth services for blind Texans. Comparable service portfolio and nonprofit operating model; differentiated by larger manufacturing employment arm versus Miami Lighthouse's emphasis on pediatric vision and accessibility consulting.
- National Federation of the Blind: The NFB is the largest nationwide membership organization of the blind, providing advocacy, education, and direct programs. Comparable as a blind-services nonprofit but more advocacy- and member-driven versus Miami Lighthouse's direct service delivery model.
- Perkins School for the Blind: Perkins is a historic nonprofit (founded 1829) providing education, rehabilitation, and international programs for the blind and visually impaired. Comparable mission focus on education and lifelong services for the visually impaired, with broader international reach but similar accredited nonprofit structure.
Broad incumbents
- National Industries for the Blind (NIB): NIB is the largest employment-focused nonprofit for the blind in the U.S., operating AbilityOne contracts and a national distribution network. Comparable in addressing blindness through employment, but at much greater scale and with a manufacturing/distribution focus versus Miami Lighthouse's service mix.
- American Foundation for the Blind: AFB is a national nonprofit focused on advocacy, research, and policy for the blind and visually impaired. Comparable mission scope but operates as a broader national policy and research body rather than a direct-service provider like Miami Lighthouse.
- Vispero (Freedom Scientific / Enhanced Vision): Vispero is the largest assistive technology company for the blind and low vision market, owning Freedom Scientific (JAWS), Optelec, and Enhanced Vision. Comparable as the incumbent player in the same low-vision/assistive-tech market that Miami Lighthouse sells through LighthouseShop.org.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired social profiles
Digital presenceMiami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
What does Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired do?
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nonprofit service organization providing education, training, research, and vision enhancement programs to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages across Florida. Its core offerings include the statewide Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program (free comprehensive eye exams and eyeglasses for low-income students via four mobile eye clinics and a 1,000+ optometrist network), inclusive childhood education at Miami Lighthouse Academy, the CVI Collaborative Center (Florida's first center for pediatric cortical visual impairment), Pre-Employment Transition Programs for adults, LighthouseShop.org retail of assistive technology, and ADA website accessibility consulting.
Is Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired a public or private company?
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired founded?
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired was founded in 1931. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired based?
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is headquartered in Miami, United States, in the North America region.
How does Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are government Contracts and Grants, program Fees and Services and foundation and Corporate Partnerships.
Who are Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Aira Tech Corp and Be My Eyes. Direct peers are Chicago Lighthouse, Lighthouse Guild, Lighthouse for the Blind of Houston, National Federation of the Blind and Perkins School for the Blind. Broad incumbents are National Industries for the Blind (NIB), American Foundation for the Blind and Vispero (Freedom Scientific / Enhanced Vision).
Does Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired have an API?
No public API is recorded for Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
What industry is Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in?
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired's product category is Vision Rehabilitation and Blind Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAAAIAK, Vision Impairment & Blind/Low-Vision Inclusive Childcare, with a secondary code of HSABAJAB, Accessibility & Universal Design Consulting. Its NAICS code is 624120 and its SIC code is 8351.