Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter

Chapter Contact

Juliana Gaona

chapters@fightingblindness.org

The Strength of the Foundation is Through Our Communities

The Foundation Fighting Blindness Chapter network brings people together across the country to join in fighting blinding retinal diseases. Our family of volunteers and leaders stand up for those impacted by blinding diseases. From day one, they share the latest research and advancements, and provide access to local resources to guide individuals through their personal journey. And together, they celebrate the Foundation’s mission.

We are winning thanks to the dedication of our Chapters focusing on three key areas: education, resources, and revenue. Through informative sessions, Foundation staff, community, and national experts provide research information, low vision resources, and outreach to our local retinal specialists and eye care professionals. To continue accelerating our mission, each community is invited to be a stakeholder by participating in our fundraising events.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness Chapter Vision

Our vision is to bring a community together to end blinding diseases.

Cincinnati Chapter Leadership

Name Role
Tim Smith Chapter President
Jim Shirk Vice President
Lisa Kemp Resource Chair
Peggy Mitchell Education Chair
Ryan Gutter  Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Chair

Foundation Contact

Juliana Gaona

Regional Field Director, Central

Chapter Events

  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Vision Connection

    • Aug 21, 2025
    • 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (CDT)
    • 27 W 7th St., Covington, KY 41011

    Join the Foundation Fighting Blindness for Vision Connection, an enriching and supportive gathering for the blind and low vision community.

    Community Event

  • Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky VisionWalk

    • Sep 20, 2025
    • 9:00 a.m. (EDT)
    • 1135 Riverside Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202

    VisionWalk is a community-driven 5K walk that raises funds and awareness to support the Foundation Fighting Blindness in its mission to cure blinding retinal diseases.

    VisionWalk

Past Webinars and Speaker Events

  • August 7, 2021 Speaker Series

    During a recent Cininnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter Meeting, participants toured the newly renovated 3rd floor at CABVI. In addition, there was a presentation highlighting 21 promising research projects for 2021 – including gene therapies, stem cell treatments, and clinical trials. The presentation also include an overview of the genetic testing program that the Foundation Fighting Blindness offers.

    Watch Video

  • January 22, 2022 Speaker Series

    Featured presentations - free audio book services for individuals with vision impairments, radio reading / personalized talking print programs, and products for individuals with vision impairments.

    Watch Video

  • August 13, 2022 Speaker Series

    Featured presentations by our guest speakers from the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI) - Patsy Baughn, Todd Farmer, and Jennifer Holladay. This presentation covers the topics – overview of CABVI, assistive technology, informational services, and more.

    Watch Video

Additional Resources

  • Find a Doctor Who Sees Patients with Inherited Retinal Diseases
  • Learn more about our Vision Warrior program and oo-it-yourself events