What is AOSA?

Mission Statement:
The purpose of the American Optometric Student Association is to improve the visual welfare and health of the public, to promote the profession of optometry, and to enhance the education and welfare of optometry students.

AOSA is also the liaison between students of optometry and other affiliated national optometric organizations including: NBEO, ARBO, AFOS, AOA-PAC, COVD, APHA, AAO, and ASCO.

Why is it important for me to join?

AOSA represents nearly 6,000 students from all 19 schools and colleges of optometry, and strength in numbers establishes credibility. AOSA is the national student affiliate of the AOA. When you become a member of AOSA, you automatically become a member of the AOA as well. AOA is the voice of optometry as a whole and speaks as your advocate before the government. Optometry is a legislated profession and both AOSA and AOA work hard to protect and expand the scope of practice to ensure you can utilize all of the tools you learned in school to the fullest extent possible when you graduate and start practicing.

How do I join?

The first step in joining AOSA is to contact the AOSA Trustee for your school or college of optometry. Click here to access the AOSA Trustee directory.