Together, we’re building a connected, empowered network that reflects the future of our profession.

Our Team

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Abarnaa Arithas

President

Hi! I’m Abarnaa Arithas, a fourth-year optometry student at the University of Waterloo. My time in optometry has been shaped by three things I care deeply about: paediatric eye care, global health, and student advocacy. These passions have led me to contribute to paediatric vision-screening research, provide eye care in Malawi through VOSH, and represent students in national conversations about the future of our profession.

I first became involved with CAOS at Waterloo, where I saw the impact a strong student community could have locally, but also how much more was possible if our chapters were truly connected. Watching students from across Canada and the United States come together to build this Executive Board showed me the power of a shared vision. I want CAOS to turn individual student voices into collective action and ensure that students are not simply included in conversations about the future of optometry, but are organized, confident, and ready to help lead them.

Outside of optometry, I love dancing, running, travelling, and rating cafés with my best friend, where we can study for far too many hours.

Email: aarithas@uwaterloo.ca

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Elisa Haley

President-Elect

Hi! My name is Elisa Haley, and I’m a third-year optometry student at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. I am truly honoured to be a part of this inaugural CAOS team and help shape the future of optometry. I am excited to help strengthen connections across the optometry community! This includes bringing together students from CAOS chapters across Canada and the U.S., the CAO, practicing optometrists, and industry professionals. By working together, we can better educate the public, advocate for our profession, and learn from the diverse perspectives within our field.

I originally joined the UW CAOS Chapter to pursue my passion for public outreach and education. Over the past couple of years, I’ve realized that there are so many ways to get involved and make an impact. Some of my highlights in optometry school so far have come through mentorship opportunities, professional development lectures, and special events such as the Backpack/Case Ceremonies or our annual Montréal trip.

I love bringing people together through our various initiatives and can't wait to create new traditions with this inaugural CAOS team!

Email: e2haley@uwaterloo.ca

A young man with dark, curly hair wearing a white lab coat with a name tag that reads Mathieu Boudreau, a blue shirt, and a pin that says Southern College of Optometry, standing in an indoor setting with blurred railings and structures in the background, smiling at the camera.

Mathieu Boudreau

Director of Operations & Finances

My work with CAOS started a few years ago when I founded our school’s Chapter. That experience showed me how much more we could accomplish when we united together, and it made students feel more connected and supported throughout school.

Since then, I’ve become passionate about advocating for more optometry schools in Canada and for a broader, more modernized scope of practice that reflects where our profession is heading.

In my current role with CAOS, I hope to be a big part in making the industry more accessible for students. Helping them start networking earlier, build meaningful relationships, and feel confident stepping into the profession. At the end of the day, I want CAOS to help students feel supported and excited about the future of optometry.

Email: mboudreau@sco.edu

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Jasjeet Grovera

Director of Partnerships & Communications

Hi! I'm Jasjeet, a fourth-year Optometry student at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science. My interests in optometry include myopia management, binocular vision, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation, all of which are especially meaningful to me because of my own experiences with pathological myopia and binocular vision challenges. More broadly, I care deeply about patient care, community, and finding ways to give back through the profession. One of my most meaningful experiences was travelling to Malawi on a VOSH service trip, where I was able to help provide eye care and resources to communities with limited access to care.

My passion for service naturally grew into a love for leadership and advocacy. Through my role as a Trustee with the American Optometric Student Association, I’ve had the opportunity to represent students, connect with future optometrists across different schools, and see how much stronger our profession becomes when we work together. That is also what drew me to CAOS. I really believe in the power of unity and in uplifting the student voice. Every student brings valuable ideas, experiences, and perspectives, but when those voices are connected, our impact becomes much greater.

This year, I’m especially excited to help build CAOS from the ground up, strengthen collaboration across chapters, and make advocacy feel more accessible and approachable for students. I want students to feel informed, included, and confident taking part in conversations around scope expansion, professional unity, and the future of optometry. We are the future of the profession, and I hope CAOS can help us move forward together with a stronger and more unified voice.

Email: groverajasjeet@gmail.com