Stitching for Sight: University of Alberta Medical Students Host for Orbis Canada

Led by fourth-year medical student Arijit Lodha and third-year medical student Weilin Qiu, with support from first-year medical student Corey Kuzik, the team designed the event to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

This workshop broadened its reach to include students from medicine, nursing, dentistry, and dental hygiene. The goal was to offer a hands-on, creative experience that would widen engagement with global eye care issues while showcasing the strong community spirit at the University of Alberta.

Participants designed and sewed custom scrub caps with generous support from local sponsors, including Reimagined Fabrics, Marshall Fabrics, a vibrant mind photography, and Hanjan.

The organizers emphasized that the event's success was measured in both funds raised and community built.

"It was a great event and an opportunity to really get out of your comfort zone and learn a new skill, all while supporting an important cause," said Arijit Lodha. "For that reason, I think the event was a great success.”

“I’m so grateful for how our community came together - not only to raise funds, but also to spark meaningful awareness for such an important cause," added Weilin Qiu. "It was inspiring to see everyone’s enthusiasm, and I’m so happy we could contribute to sight-saving care in such a creative and collaborative way.”

“I was so happy to see that not only could we raise funds and awareness for sight-saving care, but also build community," noted Corey Kuzik. "The workshop was full of laughter and smiles as we got to know each other a little better.”

The team hopes their success will inspire other student groups across Canada to get involved with the Orbis Future Vision Leaders program and create their own innovative fundraisers.

Through creativity, teamwork, and compassion, the University of Alberta’s Orbis Future Vision Leaders have shown how the next generation of health professionals can help transform lives - one stitch at a time.