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President: Will Doan Nguyen
President-Elect: Crystal Liu
Secretary: Amanda Tran
Treasurer: Naseem Malik
Social Media Chair: Jessie Yu
Events Coordinator: Jessie Zhu & Inji Kang
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Hue
Mission Statement: Interprofessional practice is rapidly gaining traction in today’s healthcare setting. ACE strives to promote interprofessional collaboration by emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary health care, through joint screening opportunities and networking events.
Description of Activities: Participating in this club will offer you the ability to communicate and learn about different professions, and how they relate to optometry. ACE hosts joint health screenings and interprofessional networking events with other health providers, namely podiatrists, dentists, and pharmacists.
How do I join or become a member? All students are welcome to join ACE. Email Will Doan Nguyen (wdoannguyen@sunyopt.edu) for more information.
Trustee: Maya Mekawy
Trustee-Elect: Naela Naasan
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Marilyn Vricella
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 represents nearly 6,000 students from all 22 schools and colleges of optometry. AOSA is the national student affiliate of the American Optometric Association; when you become a member of AOSA, you automatically become a member of the AOA as well. AOSA is also the liaison between students of optometry and other affiliated national optometric organizations including NBEO, ARBO, AFOS, AOA-PAC, COVD, APHA, FRC, OEPF, AAO, and ASCO. AOSA and AOA work hard as the voice of optometry as a whole to protect and expand the scope of practice and ensure you can utilize all of the tools you learned in school to the fullest extent possible when you graduate and start practicing.
When/where are meetings held? Students are encouraged to attend all organized optometry meetings at SUNY as well as the annual AOA/AOSA Optometry’s Meeting.
How does a student join/get involved? All SUNY students are automatic members of AOSA. Check your email for information on meeting times and contact the Trustee or Trustee-Elect for more information about getting involved!
Website: http://www.theaosa.org/
President: Jessie Yu
President-Elect: Joyce Gao
Vice President: Annie Chan
Secretary: Josephine Zeng
Treasurer: Xiaotong Chen
Social Media Chair: Allison Wu & Cindy Lee
2026 Liaison: TBD
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Guilherme Albieri
Mission Statement: ACOSA aims to spread and celebrate Asian culture through speakers, events on/off campus, and of course Asian food! ACOSA also works with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at SUNY to bring awareness of Eastern ways of thinking to the Western world by sharing the traditions/customs of how various cultures celebrate their holidays and festivities. Join us at our meetings and events to make some fun memories with friends!
Follow us on Instagram @acosa.sunyo
Email Jessie (jyu@sunyopt.edu) for more information!
President: Kendra Kim
Vice President of Tutoring: Clare Hwang
Vice President of Events: Laura Baldino
Secretary: Jessie Yu
Treasurer: Xiaotong Chen
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sarah Zuckerman
Mission Statement: To stimulate scientific attainment, academic excellence, and the ethical practice of optometry; and to promote and provide financial support for worthy research projects relating to vision care and the eyes.
Description of Activities: Providing clinical tutoring services to students seeking extra assistance with clinical techniques. Organizing events aimed at nurturing students’ growth within the field of optometry. Offering tutoring and other Zoom sessions to support students in their academics.
When/Where meetings are held? Fall and Spring meetings are held at school in the classrooms or on Zoom.
How does a student join/get involved? Invitation to membership is extended to second, third, and fourth-year students possessing the following record of achievement: To be eligible for BSK membership, a student must attain a grade point average of 3.5. Membership will be extended to those eligible at the end of each academic year.
Website: http://betasigmakappa.net/
President: Sweta Patel
President-Elect: Jessie Zhu
Secretary: TBD
Treasurer: Naseem Malik
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Irene Frantzis
Mission Statement: SUNY CLEAR is dedicated to educating optometry students on the use of contact lenses for the treatment of refractive error and ocular diseases, exposing students to current contact lens-related research and technology, and informing them about the evolving contact lens brand and products on the market. We also aim to provide insight into integrating this knowledge about contact lenses into the clinic and future practices.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SUNYCLEAR
President: Will Doan Nguyen
President-Elect: Rebecca Treen
Vice President: Annie Chan
Secretary: Alana Dang
Treasurer: Vanna Nguyen
Events Coordinator: David Wang
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Anupam Laul
Mission Statement: To increase student awareness about current issues and challenges facing the profession of optometry in Canada and to encourage communication and involvement between students and their future co-workers in Canada.
Description of activities: CAOS strives to keep Canadian students updated on topics including the current scope of practice for Optometrists in Canada and Canadian board examinations.
When/Where meetings are held? One to two times per semester at SUNY
How does a student join/get involved? All Canadian students are members.
Website: http://caostudents.ca/
President: Lyndsey Campbell
Vice President: Neha Gubbi
2024 Liaison: Jenilee Liang
2025 Liaison: TBD
2026 Liaison: Omade Aziz
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Thomas Wong
Mission Statement: The purpose of this chapter is to increase student awareness and promote membership in the California Optometric Association (COA), promote student involvement in current legislative issues regarding the optometric profession, expose students to state scholarships, and offer students opportunities to interact with optometrists and industry representatives currently working in California. This club is designed to promote organized optometry at the state and national levels by working with AOSA, NYSOA, and related organizations.
Vision Statement: The vision statement of COSA is the same as that of the California Optometric Association. Our purpose is to support and advance the profession of optometry to assure quality health care for all Californians, as primary providers of vision and health care.
When/Where are meetings held? 3-4 times per semester in the classrooms on the 1st floor.
Website: http://www.coavision.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1438179803071838/ (Send a request to join)
President: Vivian Lam
President-Elect: Karen Chen
Secretary/Treasurer: Kenneth Dao
Secretary/Treasurer-Elect: Claire Hatala
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Audra Steiner
Mission Statement: At SUNY College of Optometry, the COVD club’s purpose is to expose optometry students to the vision therapy specialty early in their optometric careers. We aim to raise awareness, passion, and interest within our student body to promote involvement in this integral part of Optometry: training and enhancing vision. After all, COVD believes that vision is more than just seeing 20/20! It is one of the specialties where Optometrists can really differentiate their knowledge and skills from other healthcare practitioners. Only optometrists are trained to conduct vision therapy, and by all means, treating strabismus is an art. To carry out its mission, COVD hosts speaker events throughout the academic year. Our doctors are all fellows of COVD and practice behavioral optometry and vision therapy in their respective practices. By sharing their knowledge and patient care experiences, our presenters inspire students to explore this specialty, formulate their own standard of care, and join other fellows of COVD after the completion of their education here at SUNY.
When/Where meetings are held? 3-4 meetings per semester at SUNY.
How does a student join/get involved? Free student membership, email newsletter, and student discounts for the Annual meetings. You can join COVD by clicking on the following link: covd.site-ym.com. You can also attend lunch meetings and Annual COVD meetings to stay current or contact Vivian Lam at vlam@sunyopt.edu.
Website: http://www.covd.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COVDSUNY
President: Julia Jager
Vice President: Diane Zou
Secretary: TBD
Treasurer: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Quy Nguyen
Mission Statement: The purpose of this chapter is to increase student awareness and promote membership in the Connecticut Association of Optometrists, promote student involvement in current legislative issues regarding the optometric profession, expose students to state scholarships, and offer students opportunities to interact with optometrists currently working in Connecticut. This club will be designed to promote organized optometry at the state and national levels by cooperating with AOSA, NYSOA, and related clubs.
President: Jessica Zwilling
Vice President: Abdullah Taher
Secretary: TBD
Treasurer: Rebecca Geizhals
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Daniella Rutner
Mission Statement: The common purpose of SUNY Optometry Family Resource Group is to provide support for students with familial responsibilities; to create a support network, which will assist students to achieve academic success by maintaining good mental health and reducing stressors. We define family not only as your immediate relatives (spouses, children, siblings, and parents) but as anyone who is a member of your support group during your time at SUNY Optometry. Whether you may have your own family, are living with family, are far from family, or perhaps in a long-distance relationship, this club welcomes all students who may be presented with academic challenges which affect their personal lives and vice versa. Being able to communicate our challenges not only to the administration and faculty but also to our families will ensure the continuous support and/or compromises we need to succeed. This resource group will focus on advocating for improved resources and policies to support members of the SUNY community with families.
President: Ngozi Nwabuzoh
Vice President: Mary McArtor
Secretary: TBD
Treasurer: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Joan Portello
Mission Statement: The Fellowship of Christian Optometrists (FCO) Club is a fellowship of Christians and non-Christians that aims to maintain community, growth, and outreach both in our personal lives and also in the optometric field. FCO is a national and international organization that is affiliated with Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA).
Description of Activities: We host gatherings biweekly where we discuss devotionals, have fellowship, and pray together. We also typically host an annual mission trip to Oaxaca, Mexico to provide free glasses and eye exams to those without access to eye care, in collaboration with Mission to Mexico.
When/Where meetings are held? Every other Tuesday from 12-1 in Room 206.
How does a student join/get involved? Contact Ngozi Nwabuzoh @ nnwabuzoh@sunyopt.edu for more information!
Website: www.fcoint.net
President: Jina Yoo
Vice President: Lindsey Chan
Secretary: Eli Sharvit
Treasurer: Rodnell Batac
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sarah Zuckerman
Mission statement: The Gold Key Society was established in 1965 by the student council at the Southern College of Optometry for the purpose of recognizing upperclassmen who demonstrated outstanding professional and ethical attitudes through leadership and service to their class, college, and profession. In 1972, the society became independent of the SCO student council and established itself as the leadership honor society of all schools and colleges of optometry. To reflect the society’s new status, the name was changed to The Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society. The AOSA has named Gold Key membership as “The highest honor for leadership a student of optometry can achieve.”
How do I join/Get involved: Every year, an application is sent to each 3rd-year class during their spring semester. Membership is limited to 10% of a graduating class and final term 3rd-year students are eligible for membership. Selection to society is based on leadership, scholarship, and value to the class, college, and profession. https://www.goldkeyhonor.org/
President: Sarah Ahdut
President-Elect: Esther Nasser
Vice President: Jocelyn Setarah
Secretary: Ariella Sassoon
Treasurer: Ayelet Klhar
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Daniella Rutner & Dr. Amy Steinway
Mission Statement: The Jewish Optometric Association seeks to represent, support, and provide outreach to the large number of Jewish optometry students at SUNY. The club aims to bring together the religious commonality of our members’ personal lives as well as their professional commonality. It is open to both Jewish and non-Jewish students.
President: Amber Kim
Vice President: Abi Shiyamsaran
Secretary: Grace Oh
Treasurer: TBD
Service Chair: Lucille Hindley & Christina Chan
2027 Liason: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Richard Soden
Mission statement: To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, and promote international understanding through Lions Clubs.
Description of Activities: Vision Screenings, Blood Drives, Community Service/Volunteer events, Tutoring Vision Therapy Patients
Meetings held: 1-2 meetings per semester
How do I join/Get involved: Email Amber Kim akim2@sunyopt.edu for more information!
Website: http://www.lionsclubs.org
President: Abu Bakker Siddik
Vice President: Iza Taher
Secretary: TBD
Treasurer: Judy Aboushaar
Events Coordinator: TBD
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Guilherme Albieri
Mission Statement: MOSA is needed to promote a sense of community for Muslims at SUNY College of Optometry. The club will host monthly lunch meetings that will consist of a short Islamic talk followed by discussion and food. MOSA aims to collaborate with other faith-based student organizations to engage in interfaith dialogue and promote tolerance. Additionally, MOSA intends to participate in joint health screenings and promote interprofessionalism by working with other local Muslim healthcare associations.
President: Taylor Greaves
President-Elect: Jovon Pryce
Vice President: Christine Chou
Secretary: Bisma Ali
Treasurer: Jennifer Rakhimov
Social Media Chair: Jessica Yakubova
DOP/Community Outreach Coordinator: Melinda Morvai
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Joy Harewood
Mission Statement: In 1969, the National Optometric Association was founded by 25 black optometrists in Richmond, Virginia. One of the organization’s missions was to develop ways to enhance the delivery, effectiveness, and efficiency of eye and vision care services to underserved communities. After 10 years, the NOA founded its student organization, NOSA. The National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) incorporated the goals of furthering the professional development of its student members and increasing the diversity in the profession of optometry by enhancing the recruitment and retention of minority students. NOSA is an international service organization comprised of 21 active chapters with over 1,000 optometry students combined who are dedicated to increasing access to eyecare for minority and underserved communities. NOSA’s mission is to advance the visual health of minority populations by investing in the success of compassionate students who are eager to serve these communities.
Description of Activities: Vision screenings, networking events with current NOA members, clinical assessment tutoring services, volunteering, fundraisers, cultural events, national conferences, and outreach programs provided for students who are in middle school through post-graduate.
President: Diellnor Abduramani
President-Elect: Lorenzo Stampone
Vice President: Lauren Quadir
Secretary: TBD
2027 Liason: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tamara Petrosyan
Mission Statement: We are dedicated to advancing the profession of optometry and serving optometrists in meeting the eye care needs of the public. NJSOP is focused on improving the quality and availability of vision care, and we fulfill this objective by providing reliable and current information regarding eye care and health care policies. One of our most important responsibilities is to educate the public about the importance of routine comprehensive eye exams while providing competent, quality patient care. Additionally, NJSOP assists members in conducting their practices successfully in accordance with the highest ethical standards of patient care.
Description of Activities: NJSOP is the state association for optometrists practicing in New Jersey. We strive to be a resource and guide for optometry students throughout their education. NJSOP makes frequent visits to SUNY and PCO/Salus University.
Yearly events for students to get involved in:
The Special Olympics at The College of New Jersey
Therapy By The Sea in Atlantic City, NJ
SUNY’s NJSOP Student-Doctor Networking Cruise
There is also a scholarship opportunity, the Dr. Leslie Mintz scholarship, awarded to one student annually.
NJSOP is a great way to network with doctors in New Jersey and gain valuable information about your optometric career.
When/Where meetings are held? Meetings are usually bi-annual and in person or through Zoom. Flyers about upcoming meetings will be posted around the building.
How does a student join/get involved? To join, visit the student section of our webpage: www.njsop.org
For more information: e-mail dabduramani@sunyopt.edu or lstampone@sunyopt.edu, come to a meeting, and ‘like’ our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NJSOPStudentMembers
Website: www.njsop.org & www.facebook.com/NJSOPStudentMembers
President: Allison Wu
President-Elect: Christina Chan
Secretary: Alicia Defonte
Treasurer: Abi Shiyamaran
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Richard Soden
Mission Statement: The Student Chapter of NYSOA is dedicated to enhancing the student experience while forming connections that can further each student’s professional career. Our club invites doctors that currently practice in New York to share their wisdom about being a current practitioner in a legislative profession. One of the greatest advancements for NYSOA includes passing the orals bill in 2022 granting doctors of optometry the ability to prescribe oral medication to treat their patients to their fullest extent.
Events this Year:
Thanksgiving Social
Ask a Doc Panel
Dining with NYSOA
NYSOA’s Annual Innovation Vision Conference (IVC)
How do students get involved? Join events hosted by the NYSOA Student Chapter to network and learn from doctors in the field. Attend fun socials hosted by NYSOA to connect with leaders that further our profession every day. The club welcomes all students, regardless of what state they’re from or where they want to practice in the future.
Contact: Allison Wu (2025) or Christina Chan (2026)
Website: http://www.nysoa.org/
President: Katie Law
Vice President: TBD
Secretary: Rena Shilan
Treasurer: TBD
Events Coordinator: TBD
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Thomas Wong
About our meetings: Our club aims to meet 1-2 times per semester. Our meetings will include talks and workshops that expose students to emerging technologies.
Mission Statement: The Optometry Innovations and Technology Club strives to be a hub where students, residents, and faculty can come and learn the most recent developments in the optometric world. Our aim is to create leaders that will utilize the newest technologies in their communities to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Email: sunyoitc@gmail.com
President: Kendra Kim
President-Elect: TBD
Vice President: Clare Hwang
Secretary: Jessie Yu
Treasurer: Amanda Tran
Social Media Chairs: Allison Wu & Annie Dong
2026 Liaisons: Joyce Gao & Anastasia Dakis
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Hue
Mission Statement: The purpose of this chapter is to increase student awareness of the American Academy of Optometry, promote student attendance at the annual Academy meeting, encourage and educate students about how to pursue a fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry, and foster interest in vision science research.
Description of Activities: The goal of the SAAO is to both inform and involve SUNY students in the latest developments in optometry. Doctors of the Academy have graciously donated their efforts towards helping students take the next step in their careers, thus shaping leaders and innovators for the future of our profession.
When/Where meetings are held? 1-2 times per semester, locations TBA
How does a student join/get involved? Membership to SUNY’s chapter is free and open to all optometry students, to full-time students in the vision sciences and related sciences, and to in-house residents. In addition, student membership to the AAO is covered by SUNY, which spans all 4 years of the OD program plus residency for recent graduates. For more information and a copy of the application, please visit: www.aaopt.org/student
Website: www.aaopt.org/
President: Katie Law
Vice President: Melinda Morvai
Secretary: TBD
Treasurer: Vicki van Thoor
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Hue
Mission Statement: To connect students who have an interest in public health, give opportunities to serve in the public health field, and serve the general public with knowledge and resources to maintain healthy living and prevent disease. We would also like to connect with public health and students of other health disciplines outside of SUNY for health fairs and public health events in the NYC metro area.
Description of Activities: In addition to the general meeting each semester, SAPHA members provide eye health education at nursing homes throughout the NYC area, support Diabetes and Glaucoma awareness in the months of November and January through various activities within the college, fundraise for The Red Cross, host guest speakers at SUNY lunch meetings, contribute to preparation for the annual VisionWalk which supports the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
When/Where are meetings held? The goal of the SAPHA is to have at least 3 general meetings or volunteer activities per semester. Meetings are held in one of the classrooms, depending on availability.
How does a student join/get involved? All students are welcome to the organization. We keep a list of interested members on our email list. All meetings are announced via school email.
President: Julianna Dolinski
President-Elect: Kaitlyn Nguyen
Secretary: Rita Nguyen
Treasurer: Shawn Matsumoto
Events Coordinator: Ngozi Nwabuzoh
Design Coordinator: Anna Camporese
2024 Liaison: Jennifer Le
2025 Liaison: Sunny Sachar
2026 Liaison: TBD
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Matthew Bovenzi
Mission Statement: To inspire optometry students to pursue private practice and to provide information that addresses their concerns regarding private practice in order to instill confidence for success in private practice optometry.
Description of Activities: SOAPP hosts seminars, workshops, private practice tours, and networking events with industry professionals and ODs with experience in opening optometric practices. Our goal is to connect SUNY students with doctors and professionals that can give real-life business advice and be a resource for those interested in operating their own private practice.
When/Where meetings are held? Our seminars, workshops, and networking events are held on campus about every 1-2 months. Our private practice tours, about 1-2 per semester, are held off-campus and have been within New York City but have also extended beyond the city to places such as Yonkers and New Jersey.
How does a student join/get involved? Our events are open to all students, but you can sign up to be a VIP member of SOAPP at our first meeting in the fall to get priority sign-ups for our highly anticipated events! If you are highly interested in private practice, a VIP membership will help guarantee your spot when signing up for events that will help you network and gain industry resources. Talk to us at orientation and attend our first meeting for more information.
Email: sunysoapp@gmail.com
President: Arden Niedfeld
President-Elect: TBD
Secretary: TBD
Treasurer: TBD
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Matthew Vaughn & Dr. Robert Chun
Mission Statement: SPECtrum provides a welcoming and safe space where members and allies of the LGBTQ+ campus community can come together to discuss and study diversity and achieve a greater understanding of the spectrum of sexuality and related social issues. In addition, we work to educate those in the SUNY Optometry community about issues that affect us as healthcare providers of LGBTQ+ patients as well as other minority groups. SPECtrum also looks to work with the external community to identify segments of the LGBTQ+ population in need of optometric care and services, and to then either provide or coordinate that care.
How does a student join/get involved? Membership is open to any student that wished to join. There is no membership fee.
Contact: Please email sunyspectrum@gmail.com or reach out to us using our social media channels if you have any questions or would like to apply for a leadership position with SPECtrum.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunyspectrum
Instagram: instagram.com/sunyopt_spectrum/
President: Lyndsey Campbell
Vice President: Nicole Loan
Secretary: Christina Canellos
Treasurer: Rebecca Treen
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Harriette Canellos & Dr. Kamila Mikos
Mission Statement: To promote the advancement of knowledge and excellence in the clinical care of anterior segment disease. This club is intended to enhance learning for students and to exchange expert opinions on the most recent treatments on all aspects of the anterior segment including but not limited to ocular surface disease and oculoplastics.
President: Rita Nguyen
President-Elect: Dixie Vasquez
Secretary: Cayla Werner
Treasurer: Shawn Matsumoto
Screening Coordinator: Aapti Patel
Database Manager: Kaitlyn Nguyen
Fundraising Chair: Josephine Zeng & Neha Gubbi & Ishira Bharadwaj
Social Media Chair: Laila Abouhasswa
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Gregory DiSanto & Dr. Matthew Bovenzi
Mission Statement: Our mission is to provide quality vision care services worldwide through vision clinics for individuals in areas where this care cannot be afforded or obtained.
Description of Activities: Meetings include cleaning, sorting, and labeling donated glasses for future mission trips. Members earn hours by volunteering throughout the year, and those eligible are given the chance to go on international mission trips where they provide eye exams and dispense the donated glasses to their patients. Multiple international trips are done throughout the year. Past examples include Grenada, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and many more. During these trips, members get to provide comprehensive eye care and education to those who do not have access to healthcare regularly. Our volunteers also have the opportunity to dispense the glasses and donate them to those in need. Moreover, members are involved in fundraising activities to help support our financial needs for international trips. We host events that are open to all SUNY Optometry students and faculty. SVOSH contributes to advancing lifelong clinical learning and providing quality eye health to those in need.
When/Where meetings are held? Weekly meetings take place on the 3rd-floor student lounge at times TBA.
How does a student join/get involved? There is a membership due of $40 which includes a SVOSH shirt and pin. Attend our first meeting for more information!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunysvosh
Instagram: sunysvosh
President: Arden Niedfeld
President-Elect: Rena Shilian
Vice President: TBD
Secretary: Katarina Kozer
Treasurer: TBD
2027 Liaison: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Richard Madonna
Mission Statement: To have more Doctors of Optometry managing glaucoma in clinical practice. The primary way to achieve this with current students is by increased exposure, practice, and knowledge in the field of glaucoma.
Description of Activities: Monthly doctor-hosted journal club meetings, two or more school-wide seminars with leading glaucoma specialists, and hands-on clinical skills workshops.
When/Where meetings are held? Monthly.
How does a student join/get involved? Email sunystudentglaucomasociety@gmail.com or any of the board members. There are no membership fees.
