NEW YORK—This past Tuesday marked Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to charitable giving and generosity as the holiday season kicks off. There are of course countless ways to celebrate Giving Tuesday both big and small, from monetary donations to volunteer work and everything in between—and for the optical industry Giving Tuesday offers a great opportunity to remind both the public and ourselves about the importance of the gift of sight. This week, we take a look at how some indies, both ECPs and eyewear brands, took part in Giving Tuesday.

In Elk Grove, Calif., the Elk Grove Optometry team took the time to encourage patients to join them in supporting charities and non-profits. Image via elkgroveoptometry on Instagram


The team at Spectacle Optometry in Anaheim, Calif., shared information about its partnership with the Lions Club for eyewear donations, and gave a shout out to Modo Eyewear, which provides a frame to a child in need for every frame purchased. Image via spectacleoptometry on Instagram


Independent eyewear brand Vontélle Eyewear hosted a special Instagram Live event with Kadeem Hardison to celebrate Giving Tuesday. A percentage of all sales from Vontélle’s collection with Hardison is donated to The Kadeem Hardison Scholarship Fund for college students. Image via vontelleeyewear on Instagram


In preparation for Giving Tuesday and the giving season in general, Eyes on Trade announced a holiday toy drive for children in North Carolina, where the practice is located. Image via eyesontrade on Instagram


Zeal Optics, an independent eyewear brand with a flagship location and lab in Boulder, Colo., spotlighted its Buy A Zeal, Plant A Tree campaign for Giving Tuesday. Image via zealoptics on Instagram