College of Optometry (CO) 2024–2025 133 Florida Optometric Student Association (FOSA) The Florida Optometric Student Association (FOSA) is the student branch of the Florida Optometric Association. One of the goals of the FOSA is to expose optometry students to networking and career opportunities to prepare them for the real world. Together with the Florida Optometric Association (FOA), our mission is to advance and promote the quality, availability, and accessibility of primary eye care and related health care fields to Florida’s citizens; to represent the profession of optometry; to enhance and promote the independent and ethical decision-making of our members; and to assist and enable optometric physicians to practice their profession so as to ensure the highest standards of patient care. Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society The Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society was founded in 1965 at the Southern College of Optometry (SCO) and has been recognized by the AOSA as the highest honor for leadership that can be achieved for an optometry student. Gold Key currently has chapters at 16 colleges of optometry that recognize the outstanding achievements of the few select members that are chosen each year. No more than 10 percent of the optometry class will have the honor of being selected to join the membership of this distinguished organization. Membership, which is through appointment only, recognizes outstanding professional and ethical attitudes through leadership and service to the class, college, and profession. Honors Program The goal of the Honors Program is to provide enriching experiences not routinely offered in didactic and clinical courses to challenge students to maximize their academic and personal abilities. During a student’s three years in the Honors Program, the student must complete activities in the following four areas: Academic Activities, Clinical Tasks, Public Service Tasks, and Scholarly Activities. In addition, students will attend an Honors Seminar in which they will enhance their research and clinical awareness and complete review articles to be published in the students’ journal, Current Topics in Optometry. Participation in the Honors Program is by invitation only, based on the judgment of the Honors Program Steering Committee after completion of the first year. Latinos En Optometry (LEO) Association Latinos En Optometry is dedicated to supporting Latino optometry students, providing resources and communication for Latinos in optometry, and providing resources and communication for the eye care community who serve the Latino community. Middle Easterns In Optometry (MEO) Association The Middle Easterns in Optometry Association (MEO) is a student organization that provides a sense of community and culture for all optometry students, with a focus on Middle Eastern culture, foods, music, and events. The MEO hosts guest lectures and other activities to provide information and support for optometry students with a Middle Eastern background, or any students that wish to learn and become involved to enhance their future as an eye care provider in a diverse community. National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) The National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) is the professional organization dedicated to increasing minority participation in optometry. Membership is open to individuals of all races, colors, and creeds.
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