There are several student-run organizations and you are encouraged to participate. It is a great way to be involved, be informed and get to know your classmates. Many of the first-year positions are filled within the first few weeks of classes, so it's good to know what positions are available and of interest to you. Be prepared to woo your classmates during an election.
In addition to the associations listed below, you can get involved with many other clubs at the School. In total, there are 14 optometry-focused student clubs and associations as of 2025-26.
UWOSS - University of Waterloo Optometry Students Society
The University of Waterloo Optometry Students Society (UWOSS) is a student-run organization that represents the Optometry student body and serves as a liaison between the students and faculty members within the school, the cross-campus Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA), and the Faculty of Science. UWOSS hosts annual events such as sports tournaments, EyeScream (Halloween Dance), EyeBall (Optometry Gala), Corneal Cup Hockey Tournament, Thrive Week (Mental Health Awareness Week) and Skit Night. UWOSS members also organize student optometry equipment purchases, industry-sponsored Lunch and Learns, and interprofessional nights. Each student at the School of Optometry is automatically a member of UWOSS, so we encourage you to participate in as many ways as possible. Each class year has a class executive, with positions available for first-years as follows:
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Class President – One per class, four-year term
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Class Vice-President – One per class, four-year term
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Social representatives – Four first-year social reps plan EyeScream, the annual Halloween Party, and EyeBall, the annual formal. One-year term.
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Sports representatives – Four per class, three-year term
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Equipment representatives – Four per class, three-year term
- Student relations representatives – Four first-year reps maintain the cleanliness and organization of student-run spaces and plan mental health initiatives. One-year term.
Current students: More information on the above positions and UWOSS executive positions is available through the Student Handbook (requires login).
VOSH – Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity
Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) is an international volunteer organization dedicated to providing vision care to people who are unable to afford or obtain such care. Our University of Waterloo student chapter of VOSH (sVOSH Waterloo) organizes and participates in volunteer eye care trips to underserved communities, mostly in the global South.
You don't have to be part of the sVOSH executive to take part in volunteer trips, though there is an application process. The first general meeting is held during the first few weeks of classes, so you can learn more then.
Learn about the 2025 eye care trips to:
Contact: waterloovosh@gmail.com
Current students: More information on sVOSH Waterloo and its executive positions is available through the Student Handbook (requires login).
CAOS – Canadian Association of Optometry Students
Founded in 1990, the Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS) represents and empowers future optometrists at the University of Waterloo. Our mission is to help students grow as clinicians, leaders, and advocates while building a strong, connected optometric community.
First-year students can get involved by running for First-Year Representative positions in the fall term. After first year, students can apply to join the CAOS executive team as Elects in their second year. Elects work closely with current Directors and step into Director roles in third year, leading teams such as Professional Development, Mentorship, Education, Political Affairs, External Affairs, Finance, Communications, and Special Events.
Being part of CAOS is a chance to shape the student experience, gain mentorship, and build lasting connections that carry well beyond graduation.
For more details, check out the UWaterloo CAOS web page.
AOSA – American Optometry Student Association
The American Optometry Student Association (AOSA) represents over 6,000 students attending the 19 schools and colleges of optometry throughout Canada, the United States, and Puerto Rico. 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. Attend the first meeting for more information on the ways you can get involved with the UWaterloo chapter of AOSA and don't miss our annual Trade Show!