What is Give the Gift of Sight Month?
Give the Gift of Sight Month takes place from December 1 through December 31 and is an annual observance led by Prevent Blindness. It seeks to inspire people to value healthy vision. It also promotes support for sight-saving programs through donations.
Prevent Blindness, the oldest nonprofit for eye health in the United States, aims to raise awareness about vision health every December. They also provide resources for those in need. Supporting programs that protect and restore sight improves lives. It also promotes better access to vision care.
How Give the Gift of Sight Month helps people
Give the Gift of Sight Month supports the mission of Prevent Blindness by helping more people get the eye care they need. The campaign highlights the millions of Americans at risk for vision problems. It focuses on public eye health education, policy advocacy and early detection efforts. Additionally, it promotes the need for accessible resources and continued research to better understand vision issues across the country.
Kids with uncorrected vision issues can struggle in school. For older adults, eye diseases like macular degeneration can lead to visual impairment. By focusing on early detection and education, the campaign works to reduce these risks and improve outcomes for people of all ages.
How you can get involved
There are many ways to take part in Give the Gift of Sight Month, whether you want to give your time, donate resources or help raise awareness. Every action, big or small, supports the larger goal of preventing avoidable vision loss and promoting lifelong eye health.
Volunteer your time
Give the Gift of Sight Month inspires people to get involved in promoting vision health in their communities. You can help at local vision screenings or clinics through volunteer opportunities. One option is to become a certified vision screener for adults or children. This support is vital for people who may not have access to care.
Help is also needed with fundraisers and special events. Many roles offer flexible scheduling with opportunities that range from being a health fair representative to administrative work.
Donate money or supplies
Giving during Give the Gift of Sight Month helps expand access to essential eye care. Donations support research, public education, follow-up services and outreach in the community. This support is vital for those who might otherwise go without, making it possible for families in need to access quality vision care.
Some programs also accept donations of eyeglasses and distribute them to individuals in need. They collect eyeglasses that are still in good condition from members of the community and redistribute them all over the world.
Trusted groups that accept money and eyeglass donations all year include:
- Prevent Blindness – Supports national and local programs focused on early detection, patient education and advocacy
- OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation – Offers sustainable eye care to communities in need across the globe
- Lions Clubs International – Collects and distributes used eyeglasses to individuals in need
Event sponsorships are another way to make an impact. Sponsoring a local awareness event helps expand community outreach while promoting the importance of vision health.
READ MORE: Where to donate eyeglasses
Spread awareness in your community
One of the easiest ways to support Give the Gift of Sight Month is by sharing information about vision health with others. Social media can help you reach more people with facts about eye care, personal stories or local events. Using hashtags and tagging vision organizations can boost your message even further.
You can also have direct conversations with friends and family. Helping others get regular eye exams or learn about preventable vision loss can make a big difference. Every share, post or conversation helps spread the message.
Get an eye exam and encourage others to get one, too
Early detection allows many eye conditions to be managed more effectively. Set up your eye exams, and ask others to do the same. This action helps share the important message of Give the Gift of Sight Month. Regular exams can find issues, such as glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic eye disease. Catching these early helps avoid permanent damage.
Eye exams can also give clues about your overall health. Sometimes, changes inside the eyes can reveal high blood pressure or diabetes before other symptoms appear. Eye exams are an easy way to care for your vision and overall health.
LEARN MORE: How often should you get your eyes checked?
Eye health tips to share during Give the Gift of Sight Month
Give the Gift of Sight Month is the perfect time to talk about healthy vision habits. Share these easy tips with kids, families and classrooms to help more people learn how to care for their eyes every day:
- Visit an eye doctor as recommended for a comprehensive eye exam.
- Add fruits, leafy greens and foods rich in omega-3s, such as fish, to meals to support healthy eyes.
- Put on sunglasses outside to shield your eyes from the sun and harmful UV rays.
- Keep your hands clean before touching your face or putting in contacts.
- Rest your eyes during screen time by taking regular breaks to look at something far away.
- Use safety glasses during sports or when doing anything that could put your eyes at risk.
Take action this December
Healthy vision plays a vital role in learning, working and enjoying daily life. During Give the Gift of Sight Month this December, take time to support eye health in ways that matter. Every action counts. You can book your own eye exam, donate to a trusted organization or share helpful tips with others.
READ NEXT: Where to get a free eye exam and glasses
