1908: Volunteers create Prevent Blindness America when they learn 30% of blindness in children can be prevented.

1917: Efforts lead to federal legislation that virtually eliminates leading cause of blindness in newborns (ophthalmia neonatorum). Eye drops at birth are now standard procedure.

1926: Nationwide preschool vision screening program begins.

1930: First eye safety program for industry.

1948: The first Ohio Wise Owl Club charter at Herring-Hall-Marvin Safe Company in Hamilton. The first Ohio school Wise Owl Charter went to Worthington High.

1957: Senator John Bricker asks friends statewide to help create an Ohio chapter.

1958: First annual meeting of the Ohio affiliate.

1959: First Ohio Glaucoma Screening is conducted with the Lions Club.

1963: Ohio becomes first state to pass School Eye Safety Law, now adopted by most states.

1977: Glaucoma Alert Program launched.

1981: PBO sponsors first public glaucoma forum as model for health departments.

1984: PBO opens glaucoma screening clinic.

1989: Southwest Ohio Chapter formed.

1993: Northeast Ohio Chapter formed.

1996: The Sight Site opens on the internet: ( www. preventblindness.org)

1997: Ohio Eye Care Coalition defeats fireworks bill; PBO saves 1,034 eyes while serving 70,006.

1998: The Prevent Blindness Ohio website opens: www.preventblindness.org/ohio

1999: Save Our Sight Initiative (HB 756), led by PBO with 20 partners, is implemented as a $1 Ohio motor vehicle registration check-off. Funds raised are invested in expansion of vision care services for children.

2000: Dayton office opens as satellite division of Southwest Ohio Chapter. Wise About Eyes, an interactive children's eye health and safety exhibit developed by PBO premiers, and is seen by 60,000 visitors at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton.

2002: Northwest Ohio Chapter Office opens in Toledo.

2003: Aging Eye Public Private Partnership formed by a proclamation from Ohio Governor Bob Taft and supported by the Ohio Department of Aging.

2004: Ohio Legislative Task Force to Preserve Adult Vision is formed.