Orange County Chapter

Chapter Contact

Xavier Garcia

The Strength of the Foundation is Through Our Communities

The Foundation Fighting Blindness Chapter network unites the blind and low vision community across the country. Our family of volunteers and leaders stands up for those impacted by blinding diseases. From day one, they share the latest research and advancements and provide access to local resources to guide individuals through their personal journey. And together, they celebrate the Foundation’s mission.

We are winning thanks to the dedication of our Chapters, who focus on three key areas: education, resources, and revenue. Through informative sessions, Foundation staff, community, and national experts provide research information, low vision resources, and outreach to our local retinal specialists and eye care professionals. To continue accelerating our mission, each community is invited to be a stakeholder by participating in our fundraising events.

The Chapter Network has Three Areas of Focus

  • EDUCATION. Learn the latest in blinding retinal disease research.

  • RESOURCES. Get connected to local community resources and specialists.

  • REVENUE. Raise funds through VisionWalks, dinners, DIY fundraisers, and more.

Orange County Chapter Leadership

Name Role
Marissa Hirt President
Shana Kassel Vice President
Jessica Avila Community Outreach Chair

Looking for a chance to make a real difference? The Orange County Chapter is searching for passionate individuals who want to drive research for treatments and cures for blinding diseases. If you're enthusiastic about our mission and eager to be a champion in the community, we'd love to have you on our Chapter Leadership Team! Please contact Xavier Garcia to learn more.

Chapter Events

Quarterly Vision Webinar: Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

  • Oct 17, 2026
  • 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. (EDT)
  • Virtual

Learn more about Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

Foundation Event

Past Virtual Speaker Events

  • April 2026

    Learn about age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with Dr. Sonia Dhoot from Harvard Eye Associates

    Watch Video
  • June 2026

    Learn about retinal detachment with Dr. Zackery Oakey from Blue Coast Retina

    Watch Video
  • July 2026

    Join the Red Cross and OC Chapter President, Shana, to talk about Emergency & Disaster Preparedness

    Watch Video

Additional Resources

  • Find a doctor who sees patients with inherited retinal diseases
  • Learn more about our Vision Warrior program and do-it-yourself events