Skip to main content
Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS)
Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS)
The Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS) is a national organization representing optometry students across Canada and internationally through affiliated chapters. Established in 1990, CAOS is dedicated to advancing the professional, clinical, and leadership development of future optometrists. CAOS serves as a unified student voice within the optometric profession, promoting awareness of key clinical, regulatory, and advocacy related issues that shape the future of eye care.
Across its chapters, CAOS delivers a broad range of initiatives, including professional development programming, mentorship opportunities, political affairs town halls, community outreach, and social events that support students throughout their optometric education. These activities are designed to strengthen clinical insight, leadership capacity, and professional identity.
At the national level, CAOS works closely with organizations such as the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) and optometric provincial associations to ensure student perspectives are represented and integrated into broader discussions affecting the profession.
Through its chapters, CAOS contributes to the development of informed, engaged, and future-ready optometrists committed to the continued advancement of optometry in Canada and beyond.
CAOS Chapters
Southern College of Optometry
CAOS Chapter President
Mathieu Boudreau mboudreau@sco.edu
Illinois College of Optometry
CAOS Chapter President
Dayle Balmes dbalmes@eyedoc.ico.edu
President-Elect
Shobika Sathiaseelan ssathiaseelan@eyedoc.ico.edu
Instagram: @caos_ico（https://www.instagram.com/caos_ico/）
University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science (UWOVS)
CAOS Chapter President