A Sweet Vision: McGill Students Fundraise to Support Orbis

The event was led by fourth year medical student Julianne Allison Cairns under the guidance of McGill Ophthalmology residents Dr. Misty Tanya and Dr. Emma Youhnovska, with the support of fellow medical students Catherine Le, Mathilde Gallant, and Nhu Nguyen, in collaboration with SenseAware, a McGill Medical Student Society (MSS) club. Together, the team baked a wide selection of homemade treats, from matcha and tiramisu cookies to brownies, themed stickers, jewelry, and anatomical ophthalmology sugar cookies designed to spark conversation about vision and eye health.

More than 50 visitors stopped by the table throughout the event, where fundraising was paired with education and engagement. Students were invited to participate in a “See Through Their Eyes” activity, using altered lenses to simulate what vision looks like for patients with cataracts, advanced glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Many participants shared that this activity made them reflect on just how essential sight is to daily life.
 

By combining fundraising, creativity, and peer-to-peer education, the event encouraged students, future healthcare professionals, to think critically about global vision health and the inequities that persist in access to eye care. Preventable blindness remains a significant global challenge, but awareness and early engagement can inspire the next generation of advocates, clinicians, and innovators.

“Every small effort can translate into clearer vision for someone, somewhere. That hope is what motivates us. We are grateful to Orbis for the work they do, and for providing students an avenue to contribute to the cause.” – Julianne Allison Cairns

We are grateful to everyone who stopped by, donated, asked questions, and helped make this event a success. Our team looks forward to continuing to support Orbis through future initiatives that promote education, awareness, and equitable access to eye care worldwide.

A special thank you to Dr. Misty Stuti Tanya (R4) from McGill Ophthalmology for her guidance throughout the planning process, and to Dr. Emma Youhnovska (R1) for her support in promoting the event. Their encouragement and collaboration contributed meaningfully to the success of this initiative.