NEW YORK—For many of us, a sizable chunk of December is dedicated to gifting: giving gifts, receiving gifts, brainstorming gifts and even returning gifts. When we think about gifts in December, we often think about material things such as clothes, tech and food, but this year, ECPs everywhere are encouraging patients to expand their idea of what a gift can be and instead give the gift of sight this December. What it means to give the gift of sight can range from monetarily supporting sight-saving nonprofits to purchasing a pair of eyewear for someone you love—what matters is the impact.

This week, we’re taking a look at how indies are helping their patients give the gift of sight this year.

The team at Salisbury Eyecare and Eyewear in Salisbury, North Carolina, shared a reminder about how important an annual eye exam is—and how that helps patients give themselves the gift of sight each year. Image via salisburyeyecareandeyewear on Instagram


In Indiana, Pennsylvania, the Shirley Eye Care team offers gift certificates so patients can help others receive the gift of sight. Image via shirleyeyecare on Instagram


The Eyecare Center in Rexburg and Idaho Falls, Idaho, shared that “39 percent of consumers stated cost/affordability as the reason why household members do not see an eye doctor as often as they would like to.” The team plans to spend December sharing ways to give the gift of sight to those in need. Image via theeyecarecenteridaho on Instagram


Optometrists on Broadway in Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada, is also offering gift certificates to help make eyecare more accessible this holiday season. Image via optometristsonbroadway on Instagram


In Western New York, the Legarreta Eye Center reminded patients to schedule their annual eye exams to protect their own gift of sight. Image via legarreta_eye on Instagram


The Walbank Opticians team in Hampshire, England, suggested eyecare gift vouchers for this year, too. Image via walbank_opticians on Instagram