NEW YORK—Last week, Giving Tuesday gave people all around the world the opportunity to give back and help others with donations of time, money, food, or anything else. Many large companies and non-profits in the eyecare and eyewear industries get involved with Giving Tuesday through large-scale fundraisers, volunteering efforts, or charitable initiatives to donate proceeds and products to those in need. But it’s not just the big guys who have the means to give back—every year, independent ECPs and small practices do their part on Giving Tuesday too. Many set up fundraisers in the office, or volunteer at a local foodbank, or solicit donations for toys, gifts, and other products people in need might be lacking. This year was no exception.

As we prepare for next year’s Giving Tuesday—which will fall on December 1, 2020—let’s take a look back at how independents tackled Giving Tuesday 2019. After all, it’s never too late to take inspiration and do a little giving of your own.


Colonial Family Eyecare in Pennsylvania shared information about their partnership with VOSH International for Giving Tuesday. Image via Colonial Family Eyecare on Instagram.



Boulder Family Vision in Boulder, Colorado, chose Wreaths Across America as their charity for 2019, and shared the information on Instagram on Giving Tuesday. Image via Boulder Family Vision on Instagram.



The team at Waterdown Optometric in Waterdown, Ontario, sponsored a family in need. Image via Waterdown Optometric on Instagram.



The team at Lifetime Vision Care in St. Marys, Ontario, Canada, raised $541.50 to benefit senior citizens at Wildwood Golden Years and Kingsway Life Care Charities. Image via Lifetime Vision Care on Twitter.