In 1941, the Lions Club of Chester organized the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) as a two employee workshop for the blind in a small garage at 3rd and Concord Streets in Chester. The center soon registered as the Delaware County Branch of the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind, became incorporated as a non-profit, and expanded to include prevention of blindness and recreation services.

By 1951, CBVI had added social services and home-teaching to its services, and on May 10th ground was broken at our present location to build a facility to meet the program's growing needs. During the 50's, 60's, and 70's, the manufacturing plant expanded and at one point employed 125 people.

In 1978 CBVI received grants from the Nevil Trust and Blindness and Visual Services for the development of a rehabilitation center. The 1980's experienced continued growth in non-manufacturing services, whereas the need for a manufacturing employment service significantly decreased.

During the early 1990's, the manufacturing plant closed but expansion continued in other areas. The center established new services including a low-vision clinic, home rehabilitation for the elderly, and a vocational evaluation program. Most significantly, with a three year grant from Blindness and Visual Services, the agency began its Computer Access Technology training program. During this period, the agency also developed the IDEAL summer program in conjunction with Overbrook School for the Blind. To increase employment opportunities for individuals with vision loss or blindness, in 1996, in cooperation with National Industries for the Blind, the agency developed a customer service call center with the General Services Administration (GSA). The GSA employment program continued to expand significantly through the 90's.

CBVI continues to develop programs and service to meet the evolving needs of people who have blindness or a visual impairment. In 2003, CBVI began a service contract with Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind and Handicapped and today also employs people with blindness or other disabilities as photo license technicians at two Pennsylvania drivers license photo I.D. Centers. In 2004, CBVI developed a demonstration store where people with vision loss can come to the agency and see the many products available to assist people with vision loss in their daily activities. The store service includes specially trained staff providing demonstrations of these specialty products so customers can make informed choices regarding purchases.

The Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired has successfully served individuals with blindness and visual impairment in the past, continues to do so in the present, and pledges to do so in the future.