Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity: Collaborative eye care in Malawi

This past summer, Paige Wagar and Rae Sigurdson, third-year optometry students at the University of Waterloo, participated in an unforgettable Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) trip to Malawi. Organized by Canadian Vision Care (CVC), they joined a team of volunteers to provide critical eye care to rural communities.

For Wagar and Sigurdson, this journey wasn’t just about sharpening clinical skills—it was about connecting with a community in need and witnessing the power of collaboration.

The trip focused on delivering eye exams and vision screenings to local schoolchildren and villagers. The team worked in rural areas, often facing long days with hundreds of patients.

“At one school, there were over 3,600 children with only 40 teachers,” recalled Wagar. “We screened about 400–500 people each day, moving as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Despite the challenges, the team formed strong bonds with the local community, including children at the schools and an orphanage supported by CVC. The cultural exchange was a highlight for both students.

“The kids were amazing,” said Sigurdson. “They would see our van coming and start cheering and dancing. Every day, we were welcomed with smiles, songs, and even dances that reflected the local culture.”

One particularly touching experience was visiting Sarah’s Children, a local orphanage funded through Canadian Vision Care.

“It was heartwarming to see how much singing and dancing the children shared with us. They were so excited to see us and to receive even the smallest form of care,” Wagar recalled.

The trip was not all work, though. The group spent time together, enjoying dinner on the beach and taking in the breathtaking scenery of Malawi. They also went on a safari, where they had a close encounter with lions—an experience that left a lasting impression.

“We were so close to the lions and our vehicle wasn’t working properly! It was such an intense, surreal moment,” said Sigurdson.

Another highlight of the trip was the interaction with local optometry students from Mzuzu University, Malawi. Half of the clinic days involved collaboration with these students, allowing for a rich exchange of knowledge.

“It was amazing to work alongside the students there,” said Sigurdson. “They taught us a lot about how eye care is managed in Malawi, and we shared our approaches as well.”

Looking back, both Wagar and Sigurdson are grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this VOSH trip. The experience not only enhanced their clinical skills but also deepened their understanding of global eye care needs.

“This trip made us realize how much impact we can have as optometrists, not just here in Canada but around the world,” reflected Sigurdson.

As they continue their studies, Wagar and Sigurdson are eager to participate in more global health initiatives.

“The relationships we built on this trip—with the people we served, the doctors we worked with, and the local optometry students—will stay with us forever,” said Wagar. “This is just the beginning for us."