Thank you for visiting the home page of the American Optometric Student Association.
The AOSA is committed to promoting the optometric profession, enhancing the education and welfare of optometry students, as well as enhancing the vision and ocular health of the public. This website is designed to provide information to future, current and past students of optometry.
The AOSA represents over 6,000 students attending the 19 schools and colleges of optometry throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Each school is represented on the AOSA Board by a Trustee and Trustee-Elect. These individuals work to keep students informed about issues important to aspiring optometric physicians. These representatives also serve as the link between individual optometry students and the AOSA leadership.
Please take the time to explore this site to expand your knowledge about the AOSA and the issues being addressed by our organization. If you are already a member, share your thoughts about these issues with the Trustee at your school. If you are not a member, you can make a difference, please consider joining and lending your support in advancing our profession. If you are a prospective student, use this site to become more familiar with the issues your future profession faces.
Welcome to the AOSA!
James Hill III
President
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry
Class of 2009
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| Financial turmoil disrupts student loan industry |
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| New regulations and widely publicized turmoil in the financial services industry are making federally guaranteed student loans more challenging for students to secure with the lender of their choice. Students who plan to attend schools and colleges of optometry this fall should begin evaluating current lender programs and arranging any necessary student loans now. |
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| A Proposal by the President…How it Affects Student Debt |
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In February of this year, the President proposed two things for the 2006 fiscal year budget that would affect all of us optometry students tremendously.
• To dissolve the Federal Perkins Loan Program
• To cut the FWS Program by approximately $42 million
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| How am I paying for my Education? |
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| As you all know, optometry students nationwide are facing looming amounts of debt upon graduation. It is evident that adequate financial aid has not kept up with the rising costs of tuition and living expenses. In the 17 American schools and colleges of optometry, 91.5% of students received financial aid in the year 2003-2004. So, how much, on average, do you think that students owe after optometry school? The drum rolls please…$108,229!!!! |
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|  | | "Each One Reach One" Campaign |
| The AOSA Board of Trustees has developed a presentation for use by Trustees and Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) local liaisons to promote ASCO's "Each One Reach One" and "The Eyes Have It" national campaigns. The campaigns are designed to increase the qualified applicant pool and promote student diversity at optometry schools across North America and Puerto Rico. |
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