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 President
Dayle Balmes
dbalmes@eyedoc.ico.edu
CAOS President-Elect
Shobika Sathiaseelan
ssathiaseelan@eyedoc.ico.edu
Instagram: @caos_ico
University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science (UWOVS)
CAOS Chapter President
Abarnaa Arithas
president@caos.ca
Instagram: @caoswaterloo
École d’optométrie de l’Université de Montreal (EOUM)
CAOS Chapter President-Elect
Evelyne Bérubé
evelyneberube@outlook.com
State University of New York College of Optometry (SUNY)
President-elect
Marilou Pelletier
mpelletier@sunyopt.edu
New England College of Optometry (NECO)
Email: caos@neco.edu
Instagram: @neco_caos
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)
Instagram: @mcphs.caos
Aperture Magazine
Aperture Magazine is CAOS’s national student publication dedicated to reflective and creative expression within optometry. It provides students across chapters with a platform to share essays, personal narratives, and perspectives shaped by their experiences in optometric education and clinical training. Through thoughtful writing and storytelling, Aperture captures the human side of optometry, encouraging reflection, connection, and dialogue within the student community and the profession at large. The publication underscores CAOS’s commitment to cultivating well rounded, reflective practitioners alongside strong clinical training.
Aperture issues
Click to download past editions of Aperture Magazine (English)
APERTURE 2025