I think I am most proud of the work that we have done over the years and how we have been able to expand our services and our footprint to serve more people," reflected Dennis Steiner, president and CEO of VisionCorps, who recently announced his retirement. "That is what our mission is - to empower people who are blind to achieve independence. To me, that is what we are here for."

Steiner, who started as a VisionCorps case manager in 1984, has 42 years of experience working in the field of blind and low-vision services, including 17 years as president and CEO of VisionCorps. He was succeeded by Megan Tomsheck effective Oct. 31.

"I have been blessed to have a great leadership team here. Many of them have been here for quite some time," Steiner noted. "Megan is an 18-year employee. I have a good mix of longevity and newer people. They are all committed to our mission. They are all passionate about their work and a good team to lead."

Steiner was responsible for helping to establish new services during his tenure. His accomplishments include introducing youth programming to the agency and mentoring young people; expanding VisionCorps from one facility in Lancaster to additional rehabilitation and employment sites in Adams, Chester, Lebanon and York counties; and increasing the focus of rehabilitation services to include new technology offerings such as smart glasses, magnifiers and apps.

"Technology has been the game changer for people who are blind and vision impaired," said Steiner, who is legally blind. "(There is) software that allows the iPhone or computer or read to you what is on the screen."

He added that people can use their phones to shop for any items that they need, including food from the grocery store. "(Technology) has opened up a lot of doors and opportunities for the blind and the visually impaired community," said Steiner. "I can't imagine living without my iPhone or computer because it allows a greater degree of independence."

Steiner and his wife, Candy, reside in Lancaster Township. Steiner said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and two grandchildren, but he added that he also plans to continue to advocate for the vision impaired.

"I am going to be involved with the agency at some level, doing some public policy work or whatever Megan asks me to do. You don't spend your whole career and just walk away from an organization like this," he shared. "I haven't lost the passion for the work, but it's time for me to step down and spend some more time with family. I felt like now was the right time."

"Many people ask me, 'Why did you stay at one place for so long?' I love the organization, and I love the community," he added. "Lancaster, central York and Chester counties are great places to raise a family. VisionCorps has given as much to me as I have given to them. It's been a great relationship."

Having been a visually impaired leader of an organization, Steiner has also set an example for others. "I am a CEO who happens to be blind," said Steiner prior to his retirement. "I want people to recognize that people who are blind can do almost anything that sighted people can do."

VisionCorps provides rehabilitative, preventative and educational services to help individuals with vision impairments live and work independently. All services are provided free of charge.

To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/visioncorpspa or http://www.visioncorps.net. Those with questions may call 717-291-5951 or email info@visioncorps.net. Chester County residents may call 610-738-3008.