From Personal Connection to Global Vision: Yosra Er-reguyeg Wins Orbis Rising Star Award

Yosra Er-reguyeg’s interest in ophthalmology was shaped early on by noticing how vision issues, when left unaddressed, subtly shaped people’s lives in her community. Now a medical student heading into her clerkship, Er-reguyeg has turned her passion for global ophthalmology into a role as an Orbis Future Vision Leader (OFVL). 

The award recognizes Er-reguyeg's exceptional contributions to Orbis's mission, which include running fundraising and awareness events for her fellow students at Laval University and developing an Instagram takeover project for the Orbis Canada social media channel. That project, which shared recent research publications by OFVL members in easy-to-digest language, helped Orbis supporters better understand projects being led by the next generation of eye health professionals in Canada. 

"It was an excellent opportunity to engage in public outreach by translating a complex topic into clear and accessible language for a general audience," she says, noting that the project also helped her develop content creation skills while sharing a subject she loves with a new audience.  

Er-reguyeg has found the overall experience of volunteering with Orbis a fulfilling one. "It allowed me to gain a concrete understanding of how charitable organizations operate: the interplay between vision, logistics, and compassion required to create durable impact," she says. Learning about Orbis opened her eyes to all that the organization does beyond sight-saving surgeries, such as educating health care providers, conducting research, and developing new technologies.  

Er-reguyeg's fundraising efforts, including co-running a medical supply sale and helping to plan a paint-and-sip event at Laval, demonstrate her commitment to creative engagement. These initiatives reflect what she calls a "domino effect"—seeing others' fundraising efforts inspired her own, which in turn motivates others to get involved. 

Looking ahead, Er-reguyeg hopes to continue her involvement with Orbis throughout her career. One of her aspirations is to eventually take part in Orbis’s international projects, evolving from fundraising efforts to directly engaging with populations in need through clinical and educational outreach. “I think that would be a beautiful progression,” she says. 

For now, Er-reguyeg maintains a balanced perspective on her future, focusing on her upcoming clerkship. "I think I’m most fulfilled when my motivation is intrinsic, when it comes from a genuine desire to understand and learn, not just to advance.” 
 

Her advice to potential OFVLs is simple: the program is rewarding not just because the Orbis cause is important, but also for personal growth. "It feels good to dedicate yourself to a cause," she says. "It’s an experience I’ve truly valued.”