The mission of The Seeing Eye is to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye dogs.

The Seeing Eye will be an organization that concentrates on its mission to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye dogs, and on improving its ability to fulfill this mission. We will maintain and nurture the spirit engendered by our founders to adhere to the highest standards of service and assure all people are treated with dignity and respect. We will minimize peripheral involvements, avoid organizational complexity, and measure the performance of the organization and its employees against our goals. We will monitor developments in our society which could affect our constituents and operations, and adapt to changing circumstances as necessary in pursuit of our mission. In the future, The Seeing Eye will continue to be, as it is in the present, the best organization of its kind in the world.

Core Beliefs

We believe that:

• Sighted and blind persons have the same basic human needs.

• People who are blind can lead independent lives and be valuable community members.

• Blind people should be integrated into society.

• Solutions to the challenges of blindness begin with the individual but can be enhanced by the support of family and friends, as well as society at large.

• Blind persons who seek greater independence will benefit most from a Seeing Eye dog.

• Dogs are uniquely capable of increasing the mobility of blind people and enhancing their lives.

• The best Seeing Eye dogs are well bred and cared for, socialized, trained, and motivated by a desire to please.

• The quality of our services and programs is directly dependent on the skill, dedication, personality, and character of the staff.

• Involved and supportive volunteers are essential to our success.

• A personalized approach on the part of skilled staff in all of our services and activities produces the best results.

• We have a responsibility to provide continuing assistance in strengthening the relationship between the graduate and the Seeing Eye dog.

• We have a responsibility to educate the public and participate in consideration of public policy issues.

• Applicants, students, and graduates must be treated with dignity and respect.