Dr. Martina Sawatzky | Defining Meaning Through Service | Future Focus 2026 - April 2, 2026

n this inspiring keynote, Dr. Martina Sawatzky (UW ’19) shares her perspective on building a meaningful career in optometry through service, connection, and purpose. Her presentation, “Defining Meaning Through Service,” explores how students and new graduates can shape careers that extend beyond clinical practice — making an impact both locally and globally. Dr. Sawatzky practices in her hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she focuses on delivering personalized patient care and building meaningful relationships. As a student, she participated in international optometric service trips to Honduras (I Care International) and Peru (sVOSH UWaterloo), and helped organize a “Dining in the Dark” fundraiser supporting Optometry Giving Sight. Her journey offers valuable insight for students considering how purpose, community, and service can play a role in their professional lives. This keynote was delivered as part of Future Focus 2026, held at the University of Waterloo, under the theme: “Vision with Purpose: Building Meaningful Careers in Optometry.” #Optometry #FutureFocus #NextGenOD #OptometryStudents #VisionWithPurpose #EyeCareProfessionals