The mission of the commission is to empower Oregonians who are blind to fully engage in life. Established in 1937, the commission has evolved to be a consumer-driven organization with a citizen governing body, appointed by the governor, representing consumer organizations, education, ophthalmology/optometry businesses and individual citizens who are blind. The commission operates under its enabling statutes and through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. The commission has 62.53 full-time equivalent staff who provide services throughout the state.

The commission’s major program objectives include helping Oregonians who are blind get and keep jobs, allowing them to support themselves and their families; training Oregonians in alternative skills related to blindness such as adaptive technology, white cane travel, Braille and activities of daily living; helping seniors and individuals with vision loss who are unable to work live with high levels of independence and self-sufficiency so they can remain in their homes and stay active in their communities; and licensing and supporting business owners who operate food service and vending operations in public buildings and facilities throughout the state.