Coffee & Quality Case Study #6: Prevent Blindness Texas

BRIEF : Jun. 15, 2026

Prevent Blindness Texas

This case study finds that most Prevent Blindness Texas clients have adequate access to care, but strategic partnerships and provider expansion are needed to bridge Texas' regional gaps.

Through the Coffee & Quality program, the Kinder Institute and United Way of Greater Houston partner with local nonprofits to strengthen their data practices. This sixth case study focuses on Prevent Blindness Texas (PBT), a nonprofit providing statewide vision care, screenings, education, and financial support for treatments. 

The study generated actionable findings for PBT and recommendations for the broader nonprofit community. The study used 2023–25 PBT client data and Texas Optometry Board records.

Key takeaways for nonprofits

  • Minimize human error by automating processes or implementing checks for manual processes. 
  • Standardize data collection for consistency and usability. 
  • Train staff regularly on data procedures to ensure information is accurate and aligned with organizational growth.


Key findings for PBT

  • The majority of clients (52%) traveled less than 10 miles to access care, but travel distance varied by location and ZIP code. Twenty-nine percent traveled more than 20 miles for a screening. 
  • Clients have an average of five follow-up providers within 2 miles, though those living in major metropolitan ZIP codes have significantly more access than rural clients. 
  • Tailored partnerships and provider expansion are needed to bridge regional gaps in PBT care.

The findings were shared during a joint webinar

Suggested citation: Hill, E, Liu, T., Potter, D., & Wang, C., Davison, J., Patrick, H., & Guerrero, M. (2026). Coffee & Quality Case Study #6: Prevent Blindness Texas. Houston Population Research Center, Kinder Institute for Urban Research, Rice University. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25611/GYPW-CN38

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Coffee & Quality

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research and United Way of Greater Houston's Coffee & Quality Case Study program works with designated United Way organizations to 1) identify ways to build and bolster the organization's current data-collecting practices, 2) use data to understand and improve program outcomes, and 3) elevate generalizable insights that can support the work of other nonprofits.

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