Advocates for Indigenous Eyecare by Students (AIES): Strengthening partnerships and eye health education

Advocates for Indigenous Eyecare by Students (AIES, pronounced “eyes”) is a student-led group at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science focused on advocating for sustainable and accessible Indigenous eye care in Canada. Founded by fourth-year student Jeremiah Hyslop, and now led by Adrianna Warren and Elise Hansen, the group has quickly built momentum through education, engagement and outreach initiatives.

By Naisha Mithani 

In this conversation, we trace the beginnings of AIES, its mission, and the growing impact it is having today.

What inspired the creation of AIES?

Jeremiah Hyslop: I’m from the Xaxli’p First Nation in British Columbia and as an Indigenous student in optometry, I was aware of some documented experiences of racism and discrimination in health care that have contributed to distrust between Indigenous patients and non-Indigenous providers. Many communities, especially rural ones, require several hours of travel just to see an optometrist and that disparity stood out to me. I wanted to create something that would raise awareness among students about Indigenous cultures, communities and the realities of accessing care in rural environments. I wasn’t sure how much interest there would be at first but the response was incredibly encouraging. During our first club day, about forty students signed up. Since then, the engagement has only grown. 

Adrianna Warren: Jeremiah reached out to me when he was forming the group because of my research background. I completed my master’s at the School studying Indigenous access to eye care through outreach optometry in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. My work focused on identifying who is providing outreach care, which communities are being served and where gaps exist. We would also like to take a moment to acknowledge Dr. Stan Woo for his vital role in bringing this group together. His dedication to advancing Indigenous eye care has been instrumental in creating opportunities for collaboration and connection within our community. Without his efforts and leadership in this area, many of us may not have had the chance to come together in the way that we have, and we are deeply grateful for the impact he has made.

Elise Hansen: I was approached because of my experience working on related research projects. What stood out to me was how much energy and thought had already gone into establishing AIES. 

What does Indigenous advocacy in optometry look like to you? 

Elise Hansen: For me, it looks like education and exposure. Many optometrists who currently provide outreach care shared that they wanted to do this work but didn’t know how to get started. If students are exposed to these pathways earlier in their training then hopefully we can make the process more accessible and sustainable. 

Adrianna Warren: It also includes cultural competency. As non-Indigenous practitioners enter Indigenous communities, it’s important that they understand the historical and social contexts that shape patient experiences. Building trust requires effort, humility and long-term commitment. 

Jeremiah Hyslop: There’s a story about someone walking along a beach throwing starfish back into the ocean. When asked why, since it would not be possible to save them all, they responded, “It mattered to that one.” We know we can’t help every rural community at once. But if we can make a meaningful difference in even one that matters. That’s how I think about Indigenous advocacy in optometry. We know we can’t immediately fix every access gap across Canada. There are many rural and remote communities, and the needs are significant, but if we can make a meaningful difference in even one community - if we can build trust, improve access or support care in one place — that matters. 

What kinds of initiatives has AIES organized?

Adrianna Warren: We’ve hosted movie nights, including a documentary following a local filmmaker documenting her Indigenous grandmother’s life during COVID, that are focused on preserving cultural knowledge. We're intentional about showing different perspectives and recognizing that Indigenous communities across Canada are diverse. We have partnered with Waterloo’s Science Indigenous Initiatives office to host an introductory workshop on terminology, history and diversity within Indigenous communities. We also facilitated a Medicine Wheel teaching session. Because the symbol is displayed in our clinic, it is important that students understand its meaning and also understand that it doesn’t represent all Indigenous communities. I think it is important that we remember that representation should never become performative. 

Elise Hansen: The workshops have been really important for helping students build foundational knowledge. It’s about giving people tools - the language, context and awareness so that they feel more confident engaging respectfully and thoughtfully. 

Jeremiah Hyslop: Education also creates safer environments. Healthcare hasn’t always been a place where Indigenous people feel comfortable. When students understand history and context, it can change how they practice and how patients experience care.

What are AIES’ long-term vision and goals? 

Jeremiah Hyslop: Supporting Indigenous patients entering optometry and ensuring they feel they belong. It’s about moving beyond symbolic gestures toward meaningful partnership. If the School can continue building trust, strengthening community relationships and creating access points that last beyond our time here, then AIES will have done what it set out to do.” 

Adrianna Warren: Our long-term vision is sustainability. We don’t want AIES to be a short-term student initiative that disappears when current members graduate. We want to build structures, partnerships and educational foundations that continue year after year. That includes integrating Indigenous health education more formally into the optometry curriculum and ensuring that advocacy is embedded within the School — not just within one club.  

Elise Hansen: From a practical standpoint, we hope to expand research and create resources that make remote and Indigenous outreach more accessible to future optometrists. We also want to continue strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities in ways that are community-informed and respectful. Advocacy should always be guided by listening.”