Clubs and Organizations

At MCPHS, you will discover a variety of Optometry-specific professional organizations and clubs designed to empower optometry students to gain hands-on experience, leadership skills, and networking opportunities.

American Optometric Student Association (AOSA)

The American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) represents more than 6,700 students attending the 24 schools and colleges of optometry across the US and Canada. The MCPHS chapter supports AOSA’s mission to promote the profession of optometry, improve the visual welfare and health of the public, and enhance the education of optometry students. AOSA hosts a number of events each year, including “Mock Bowl,” a trivia night, a Welcome Night for first-year students, “Eyeball,” an annual optometry formal dance.

College of Optometrists in Vision Development – Pediatric Optometric Club (COVD-POC)

A new organization on the Worcester, MA campus, the College of Optometrists in Vision Development Pediatric Optometry Club (COVDPOC) is focused on enriching the local pediatric community through vision screenings and community service events. The organization, which works closely with the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD), focuses on specialized vision care services, with the goal of enhancing visual abilities and correcting vision issues in infants, children, and adults.

National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)

The National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) is focused on the advancement of minority optometric students, as well as empowering future optometrists to provide the best possible care to minority populations.

NOSA focuses on recruiting and retaining minority students and placing them into appropriate practice settings upon graduation through mentorship opportunities. The organization also educates students on how to enhance the care given to minority populations. As part of this mission, the organization hosts Spanish-language eye exam seminars.

Private Practice Club (PPC)

The Private Practice Club (PPC) at MCPHS works to educate optometry students on a variety of different optometry practices and business management skills, as well as on how other professions impact the optometric profession.

Award Winner: PPC was the first ever Optometry-focused organization to win the Organization of the Year award. They took home the top prize in 2016-2017.

Student American Academy of Optometry (SAAO)

The Student American Academy of Optometry (SAAO) is the MCPHS chapter of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), a nationally recognized organization. The chapter promotes the art and science of vision by fostering lifelong learning.

Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH)

The Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) organization is focused on giving back, both in our local communities and on the international stage. SVOSH hosts community vision screenings in the city of Worcester, MA, as well as fundraisers and other volunteer opportunities. The organization also hosts an annual trip to Nicaragua, where students provide complete eye exams to underserved populations.