Organizations
The principal organizations open to, and governed by, students in the School of Optometry are the following:
American Optometric Student Association, Indiana University School of Optometry Chapter (AOSA)
All optometry students are eligible for membership in the IU chapter of this national organization. This organization serves as a source of information about changes in the field of optometry, provides a variety of learning experiences for students, and represents students in many allied organizations. Through its Board of Trustees, local chapters help to shape national policies on optometric education.
Indiana University Optometric Student Association (IUOSA)
All optometry students are eligible for membership in the IUOSA, which is affiliated with the American Optometric Student Association. The association is active in current student affairs, sponsors social events, and provides suggestions and assistance to the dean and faculty.
Indiana University National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)
The IU membership of NOSA comprises representatives of minority groups among the student body. The local chapter is a student affiliate of the National Optometric Association. The association sponsors an awards ceremony each year and aids the school in a variety of ways.
Beta Sigma Kappa
A chapter of this international honorary optometric society was established at Indiana University in 1983. The organization is open to optometry students with outstanding scholastic achievements and is dedicated to research and exemplary optometric practice.
Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH)
This organization provides eye care to individuals, usually in developing countries, who are otherwise unable to obtain this care for themselves. SVOSH collects and catalogs used eyeglasses, which are then distributed during an eye-care trip to an area of need.
Fellowship of Christian Optometrists
FCO is an organization that promotes, furthers, and maintains Christian fellowship among optometry students. Activities include discussions of current topics of interest led by guest speakers, the establishment of an ongoing eye clinic at an overseas mission, and screening missions to Third World countries.
Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society
This organization was created to recognize leadership in optometric schools and has been recognized by the AOSA as the highest honor for leadership a student of optometry can achieve. Gold Key recognizes leadership in the class, the school, and the optometric profession.
Private Practice Club
This club provides business information through guest speakers and workshops regarding optometric private practices for the use of IU optometry students. Through facebook we hope to remind members of upcoming meetings, share pictures and links, and gain feedback.
Optometric Extension Program
OEP aims to help students learn more about these binocular vision and vision therapy through club meetings, guest speakers, and conferences