Student Organizations

Optometry students have an active student life that complements their commitment to academic and clinical excellence.  Most of these activities  are channeled through accredited student organizations such as:

Student Councils

Student councils, as provided by the General Student Regulations, may be organized at all the instructional units of the University.  Their officers are elected from the student bodies according to the established procedures.  These procedures provide for direct participation of the largest number of students possible from all the units.

The Student Council is given funds for organizing activities promoting student life and academic endeavors of the unit.  Students on disciplinary probation are area not eligible to hold posts in student organizations.

Student concerns are canalized through the Student Councils.  The Councils meets regularly with University authorities and receive relevant information about University development.

Student Council

Officially represents the student body. The president of the council is a member of the Dean's Executive Committee. The council sponsors many social, sports, cultural and religious events throughout the year. The Annual Student Convention is the key activity of the year.

Puerto Rico Optometric Student Association (PROSA)

Is also the local chapter of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA). All students are members of both organizations through payment of their activity fees. PROSA sponsors lectures, ophthalmic shows, exam reviews, and social events during the academic year. Their main event is the Annual International Optometric Student Convention.

Voluntary Optometric Services for Humanity (VOSH)

A volunteer group of students, faculty members, and practitioners offering primary eye care services to the disenfranchised populations in Puerto Rico and Latin America. They receive donations of eyeglasses which they distribute to the patients they serve.

Beta Sigma Kappa

The Student Optometric Honor Society. Members are selected based on their scholastic and clinical achievement. Members serve as counselors and tutors to other optometry students.

National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)

The campus chapter offers support to the School's minority students by participating in their recruitment and retention. 

Academic Senate Representative

The University advocates student participation at all levels and in various forms.  A total of 39 students with voice and vote participate in the Academic Senates of the individual Campuses.  Three students, two undergraduate and one graduate, participate in the University Council.  All of these students are elected by the students bodies of their respective instructional units.  The procedures for the election of these students provide for direct participation of the greatest number of students possible from all the units.

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD)

COVD is a formed by optometrists and it has representation in the United States, Canada and other countries.

Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO)

The CAO is the professional association that represents Doctors of Optometry in Canada, as well as the national federation of ten provincial associations of optometrists. The Association represents over 3,200 members across Canada.

To learn more about the Canadian Association of Optometrists, visit their Web site www.opto.ca .

Back