FAQ

The Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS) is a student‑run organization that supports Canadian optometry students across North America through advocacy, community building, and access to helpful resources.

Any optometry student who plans to practice in Canada, whether studying in Canada or the United States, is welcome to join CAOS. Our community is open to students at every stage of their training who want support, connection, and a stronger voice within the profession.

CAOS provides students with advocacy support, educational resources, networking opportunities, chapter events, leadership roles, and connections to organizations across the eye‑care community. Our goal is to help students feel informed, supported, and engaged throughout their optometry journey.

If your school has a CAOS Chapter, you’ll typically hear about it through student leaders, orientation materials, or campus communications. You can also check our website’s Chapter Presidents list or contact us directly to confirm whether your program is currently represented.

Yes, students are encouraged to start a new Chapter if their school doesn’t already have one. CAOS provides guidance, support, and resources to help new Chapters get established and begin serving their student community, and you can simply reach out to us through our website to get the process started.

The CAOS National Team was created to unify and support Chapters across North America, strengthen advocacy efforts, and ensure Canadian optometry students have a coordinated voice. The team helps maintain consistency, develop national initiatives, and represent student interests at a broader level.

Advocacy priorities are shaped by student feedback, emerging issues in Canadian optometry, and collaboration with organizations like the CAO. The national team focuses on initiatives that improve student experiences, support future ODs, and strengthen access to eye care across Canada.

The national team works with the CAO through shared advocacy projects, student‑focused initiatives, and ongoing communication about issues affecting the profession. This collaboration helps ensure students are represented in national conversations and that their needs are considered in broader policy discussions.

Students can contact the national team through our website’s contact form or by emailing us directly. We welcome questions, feedback, and ideas from students. Your input helps shape our priorities and strengthen the CAOS community.