About

Founded in 1936, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina (ABVI) provides specialized vision education and comprehensive vision rehabilitation to individuals of all ages across South Carolina and beyond. We work to improve the quality of life of our clients through empowerment, services, advocacy and enrichment.

About

Founded in 1936, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina (ABVI) provides specialized vision education and comprehensive vision rehabilitation to individuals of all ages across South Carolina and beyond. We work to improve the quality of life of our clients through empowerment, services, advocacy and enrichment.

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Our Mission

Empowering individuals who are blind or low vision to live fulfilling, purpose-driven lives.

Our Vision

Our vision is for all individuals who experience blindness or low vision to have the opportunity to live, learn, and earn.

Our History

The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina (ABVI) has served and supported adults with visual needs in the Charleston Tri-County area through independence skills training for close to 90 years. In 2023, ABVI merged with The Vision Institute to expand services to and empower people of all ages who are blind or low vision throughout South Carolina and beyond. 

Board of Directors

ABVI’s Strategic Direction is guided by an experienced, dynamic Board including corporate executives, professionals in our field and eye care providers.

Board Chair Kristen Gayeski Tinkler

Kristen Gayeski Tinkler

Chair

OD, Optometrist at MUSC Storm Eye Institute

Courtney P. Plotner

President & CEO of ABVI, CEO of the ABVI Foundation

Our Staff

With extensive knowledge and experience, ABVI staff come alongside clients to empower them with life-changing skills. It is our vision that individuals of all ages experiencing blindness or low vision have the opportunity to live, learn and earn!

Latest News

Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2026

Rediscovering the Joys of Connection with iCC 🌐 Pearl’s world started to feel smaller as...
June 11, 2026

iCanConnect Helps South Carolina Senior Rediscover the Joy of Connection

Article first published by iCanConnect June 1, 2026 For 82-year-old Pearl Riley of Columbia, South...
June 1, 2026

ABVI Receives $25,000 Grant from Greenville Women Giving

ABVI Receives $25,000 Grant from Greenville Women Giving Providing vision rehabilitation skills training to adults...
May 26, 2026

A Clearer Path to Care: Why Vision Screening Matters

Article first published by the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation April 23, 2026 Good...
May 6, 2026

Become a Client

To learn more about our services and how ABVI can empower you to live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life, contact us today!


Donate Today!

You can invest in the lives of individuals who are blind or low vision today!