Imagine trying to succeed at work at school if you could not see clearly. Unfortunately, that's the reality for far too many people in the world. Whether they cannot afford eye care, are blind or have a vision disability, poor eyesight makes life much more difficult. You can make a difference this holiday season by supporting one of the following vision care charities.
American Foundation for the Blind
The AFB helps blind and visually impaired people enjoy full lives. The national non-profit organization is committed to improving access to technology and helps people find the services and products they need.
Blinded Veterans Association
The Blinded Veterans Association, formed by blind World War II veterans, advocates for and assists blind veterans. The organization's Field Service Program helps veterans navigate the Veteran's Administration claims process while another program helps newly blind veterans adjust to life without sight.
Choroideremia Research Foundation
Choroideremia is an inherited disorder of the retina that causes gradual vision loss and, eventually, blindness. The Choroideremia Research Foundation raises money to support research that will hopefully lead to a treatment or cure.
Council of Citizens With Low Vision International
The Council of Citizens With Low Vision International is an advocacy organization that educates the public about the capabilities of the visually impaired and establishes outreach programs that ensure that everyone has access to services.
Delta Gamma Center for Children With Visual Impairments
Early identification of visual problems is the key to helping children make the most of their usable vision. The Dental Gamma Center for Children With Visual Impairments offers low-vision evaluations, early intervention services, orientation and mobility training as well as occupational, physical and speech therapies.
Foundation Fighting Blindness
The Foundation Fighting Blindness raises money to support research that’s devoted to the study of retinitis pigmentosa and other related retinal diseases. They also provide support and information to people affected by these diseases.
Glaucoma Research Foundation
The Glaucoma Research Foundation funds research in support of better treatments for glaucoma and provides education and support.
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Established in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind has a long history of helping visually impaired people become self-sufficient. Clients are matched with guide dogs that help them live more independent lives.
Macular Degeneration Association
Macular degeneration, the loss of central vision, predominantly affects senior citizens; although people of all ages can be affected. The Macular Degeneration Association supports research and offers information to people affected by the disease.
Optometry Cares - The American Optometric Association Foundation
Optometry Cares was established to ensure that all Americans have access to vision care. The charity offers the infantSEE program, a free program that provides eye care to infants and provides free basic vision services to low-income, uninsured people through the VISION USA program.
Restoring Vision
This non-profit organization provides sunglasses and new reading glasses to underprivileged people in the U.S. and developing nations. In the last decade, Restoring Vision distributed 3,000,000 new pairs of glasses and sunglasses.
Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity/International
Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH)/International supports eye clinics, optometry schools and optometric educations in underserved areas throughout the world. More than 100,000 people yearly receive eyeglasses, treatment or vision surgery every year thanks to VOSH/International.