It’s important to always give back to your community or to a cause that is near and dear to your heart. One part of the holidays that always gives us the warm and fuzzies is the spirit of giving: During the winter months, charitable donations and acts of good will are as widespread as peppermint candy and holiday lights.

With the spirit of giving in mind, we've collected some of our favorite vision- and eyecare-based charities around the world. If you've got a few extra dollars in your holiday budget this year, we encourage you to make a donation that makes you feel the holiday spirit! 

1. American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults

Originally named the American Brotherhood for the Blind, the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults was established in 1919. Since that time, they have provided programs and services to the blind and deafblind mostly without cost and always with an emphasis on Braille. They inspire the fundamental importance of independence, Braille literacy, tactile fluency, and equality for the blind.

2. American Council of the Blind

No one should be alone in their journey through vision loss and blindness. And that idea is what the American Council of the Blind (ACB) is based on. Guided by its members, ACB advocates for equality of people who are blind and low vision, inspires community, and connects people and families with education, resources, and each other to support independence for blind and low vision individuals.

3. Choroideremia Research Foundation

The Choroideremia Research Foundation (CRF) is the largest organization in the world focused on the search for a cure for choroideremia (CHM). Their mission is to raise funds in support of scientific research leading to a treatment or cure of choroideremia, a hereditary retinal-degenerative disease that causes blindness; to educate people affected by the disease; and to inform the public.

4. Usher Syndrome Coalition

The Usher Syndrome Coalition’s mission is to raise awareness and accelerate research for the most common genetic cause of combined deafness and blindness. The Coalition also provides information and support to individuals and families affected by Usher syndrome. 

5. One Sight EssilorLuxottica Foundation

The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation aims to eliminate uncorrected poor vision in a generation by creating sustainable access through an innovative approach to impact philanthropy, partnerships and raising awareness.

6. Eye Care 4 Kids

EyeCare4Kids™ provides professional eye care to low-income, visually-impaired children and underserved families. This year, they just assisted their 400,000th family -- and are well on the way to breaking records in the future! Designed family-first, this organization offers crucial eyecare services to kids, setting them up for success in education and their future careers. 

7. Blind Veterans Association

BVA is the ONLY congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organization created for, consisting of, and led by Visually Impaired Veterans focused on the issues, advocacy, and mentorship vital to all veterans and families coping with sight loss regardless of service connection. In other words, BVA serves as ambassadors and mentors for all veterans and their families coping with sight loss.

8. Fighting Retinoblastoma Childhood Eye Cancer Trust

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is a UK charity dedicated to helping people affected by retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer that affects children -- usually under the age of five. While more than 9 out of 10 children with retinoblastoma ultimately beat the disease, the harmful effects can be long-lasting, including vision issues, full or partial blindness, scarring, and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. CHECT seeks a cure for retinoblastoma as well as education and awareness about the disease and its early warning signs in children. 

This giving season, we hope you stock up on all your favorite eye gear -- and make room in your budget to send some holiday spirit to your favorite eye charities!