The fourth annual Future Focus event returns to the University of Waterloo on April 2 at 5:00 PM, bringing together optometry students and industry leaders for an evening of career exploration, professional dialogue, and meaningful engagement.
Registration is now open. Spaces is limited.
Firmly established as one of the most anticipated student–industry touchpoints on campus, Future Focus consistently attracts more than 120 students across all cohorts. The event has earned strong feedback from both sponsors and attendees for its structured networking format, engaging programming, and high level of student participation.
This year’s theme, “Vision with Purpose: Building Meaningful Careers in Optometry,” reflects a growing emphasis among emerging ODs on aligning career development with service, leadership, and long-term impact.
Hosted by Student Ambassadors Shreya Jain (OD Candidate 2027) and Elisa Hayley (OD Candidate 2028), the evening will feature:
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A networking trade show with leading employers and industry partners
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Maryam Safdar and Natasha Reyes (OD Candidates 2026) will moderate the industry panel discussion
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A keynote presentation by Dr. Martina Sawatzky (UW ’19)
- Great Food, and Prizes to wrap up the evening.
Dr. Sawatzky (Winnipeg, MB) will speak on Defining Meaning through Service, sharing her perspective on building a fulfilling optometric career that integrates community involvement and international outreach. As a student, she participated in service trips to Honduras and Peru and was recognized for fundraising efforts supporting Optometry Giving Sight. Today, she practices in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with a focus on patient-centered care and meaningful connection.
The industry panel, moderated by will feature sponsor representatives discussing career pathways, innovation, and professional growth within their respective organizations.
Future Focus 2026 is made possible through the support of industry leading Visionary Sponsors:
OSI Group, FYi doctors, Eye Recommend, and Specsavers Canada.
Horizon Sponsors include:
Nikon, Vogue Optical, CSI Dry Eye Innovations and Clinical & Refractive Optometry











