December: Give the Gift of Sight Month

Celebrating Vision, Compassion, and the Power to Prevent Blindness

The Meaning Behind Sight Month

Every December, as the year draws to a close and the spirit of giving fills the air, we are reminded of one of life’s greatest blessings — the gift of sight. That’s why December is recognized as Give the Gift of Sight Month, a national observance dedicated to raising awareness about vision health, promoting eye safety, and supporting programs that help prevent blindness.

At the Conklin Davis Center for the Visually Impaired, this time of year holds special meaning. Our mission, established in 1988, is to provide a lifetime of comprehensive services that create hope, opportunity, and independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Sight Month allows us to share our passion for vision care and encourage our community to take meaningful steps to protect, preserve, and celebrate the gift of sight.

A young woman wearing glasses, a white shirt, and a pink hooded jacket, looking thoughtfully at a small, dark green gift box decorated with a bright red satin ribbon. She is holding the box in both hands.

Understanding Give the Gift of Sight Mont

Give the Gift of Sight Month more than just a health campaign—it’s a heartfelt call to action. It reminds everyone to appreciate their clear vision, recognize the importance of regular eye exams, and support organizations that help those living with vision loss.

This observance, supported by Prevent Blindness and other national vision health organizations, also brings attention to related awareness events in December, such as:

·       Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month, emphasizing toy safety to protect children’s eyes.

·       Geographic Atrophy (GA) Awareness Week, focusing on a leading cause of central vision loss in older adults.

·       International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3rd), celebrating inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities.

Through these collective efforts, Sight Month inspires individuals and communities to take small yet powerful actions that can make a lasting difference in vision care and blindness prevention.

The Importance of Vision Health

Healthy eyes are essential to overall wellness, independence, and quality of life. However, millions of Americans live with undiagnosed or untreated eye diseases that can eventually lead to blindness. Many of these conditions—like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts—are directly linked to other systemic health issues, including diabetes and hypertension.

During Sight Month, eye care professionals stress that early detection is the key to maintaining long-term vision health. A comprehensive eye exam can detect eye diseases before symptoms appear and even uncover underlying medical conditions. Protecting sight means protecting overall well-being—and that begins with awareness and action.

Geographic Atrophy: A Focus for December

One of the major awareness initiatives observed in December is Geographic Atrophy (GA) Awareness Week. GA is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that causes irreversible damage to the macula, leading to a gradual loss of central vision.

For individuals with GA, tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces become increasingly difficult. Unfortunately, this condition often progresses silently, emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams.

During Sight Month, the focus on Geographic Atrophy highlights how vital research, education, and support services are in helping individuals live independently despite vision loss. The Conklin Davis Center play a vital role in providing such support through vocational rehabilitation, technology training, and independent living programs for people affected by conditions like GA.

A close-up view of a person's hand holding a pair of black, rimmed eyeglasses over a vision test chart. The chart features several lines of large, black numbers like 529, 3926, and 953, with smaller text and measurement notations alongside the rows.

Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month: Protecting Young Eyes

December is not only a time of giving but also a time to think about eye safety—especially for children. Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month, which coincides with Sight Month, encourages parents, caregivers, and families to choose age-appropriate, non-hazardous toys that won’t pose risks to children’s vision.

Small parts, long cords, and sharp edges can lead to preventable eye injuries. The best gift anyone can give a child is the opportunity to enjoy a healthy, lifelong vision. This simple act of awareness aligns perfectly with the spirit of Give the Gift of Sight Month—protecting vision through thoughtful care and prevention.

Preventing Blindness: How Early Action Saves Sight

The goal of Sight Month is to prevent blindness through education, awareness, and proactive care. According to Prevent Blindness, nearly half of all vision loss could be prevented with early detection and timely treatment.

Here are essential steps everyone can take this Sight Month:

1.      Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam: Early detection can save sight.

2.      Eat for Eye Health: Nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, carrots, and fish promote strong vision.

3.      Manage Chronic Conditions: Keep diabetes and blood pressure under control to reduce the risk of eye diseases.

4.      Wear Protective Eyewear: Whether at work, home, or play, always use safety glasses when needed.

5.      Limit Screen Time: Practice the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital eye strain.

6.      Donate or Volunteer: Support organizations that help provide vision care services to those in need.

Sight Month serves as a powerful reminder that small, consistent habits can help preserve clear vision and promote healthy vision for life.

How Conklin Davis Center Supports Vision Health

At Conklin Davis Center, our commitment extends beyond raising awareness. We provide real-world solutions and support for individuals living with vision loss.

Our 42-acre campus in Daytona Beach, home to the Florida Division of Blind Services District Office and the largest Braille & Talking Book Library in the world, offers a wide range of services, including:

·       Vocational Rehabilitation: Helping individuals build skills and confidence to re-enter the workforce.

·       Independent Living Programs: Teaching everyday skills for self-sufficiency.

·       Technology Training: Equipping clients with adaptive tools to navigate modern life.

·       Children’s Services: Supporting families and children with early visual impairments.

Through these initiatives, Conklin Davis Center empowers more than 500 individuals each year to overcome challenges and achieve independence—embodying the spirit of

Give the Gift of Sight Month every single day.

A woman with her hair in a bun, wearing large, round metal-rimmed glasses and a teal sweater, holding her hands up to form a heart shape with her fingers. She is looking through the heart.

The Power of Giving During Sight Month

December is traditionally a season of generosity and reflection, making it the perfect time to give the gift of sight. When you donate to organizations like Conklin Davis Center, you are helping provide essential training, resources, and support to individuals affected by blindness or low vision.

Your donation can fund adaptive technology, mobility training, educational programs, and more—all designed to help individuals live independently and confidently despite their visual impairments. Whether you give as an individual, family, or business, your contribution during Sight Month can make a lasting difference.

Make Your Year-End Gift Today

As Sight Month and the year come to a close, we invite you to take part in something truly transformative. Your tax-exempt donation to Conklin Davis Center for the Visually Impaired helps create opportunities, restore confidence, and promote independence for people living with vision loss.

Your support ensures that individuals have access to life-changing programs, from vocational training to rehabilitation, and beyond. This December, give the gift of sight—and give someone the chance to see the world in new ways.

Together, we can continue to prevent blindness, promote vision health, and empower individuals to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Donate today and make this Sight Month a season of hope, empowerment, and transformation.