American Optometric Student Association
Each student actively enrolled in the UAB School of Optometry is a member of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA). The UAB Chapter is closely affiliated with the national association and serves as the student government for the School. Students, therefore, are subject to the rules and are eligible for the benefits of both the local and national associations.
Beta Sigma Kappa
Beta Sigma Kappa is the International Optometric Honor Society. It was founded in 1925 and serves over 1,800 active members plus 950 honor student members. A student must attain a GPA of 3.5 in their first professional year, a cumulative GPA of 3.4 for the first two years, a 3.3 cumulative GPA for the first three years, and a 3.2 cumulative GPA for all four professional years.
Fellowship of Christian Optometrists
This national organization seeks to provide fellowship for Christian optometrists and optometry students. The organization’s activities include monthly luncheon seminars with featured speakers, Bible studies, and a yearly mission trip for humanitarian purposes.
Gold Key Optometric Society The purpose of the Gold Key is to recognize upper-class students who have demonstrated outstanding professional and ethical attitudes through leadership in their class, college and profession. All second, third and fourth year students are potential candidates for membership. However, no more than 5% of the junior class and 10% of the senior class may hold membership or 8 students, whichever is greater. Selection of new members is made entirely by the present student membership of Gold Key based upon the leadership qualities, outlook of the students' drive to help humanity as a doctor, and drive to serve his/her society and school. All of these candidates are chosen for lifetime membership.
National Optometric Student Association
The goals of the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) are to increase minority representation in optometry and to serve as the focal point for the enrichment, counseling, and support of minority students.
Pi Epsilon Chi Service Fraternity
This fraternity was formed to unite UAB optometry students academically, socially, and through community service. This organization is committed to promoting optometry as the primary eye care profession.
Student Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity
Student Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity (SVOSH) is a charitable organization dedicated to providing vision care to people in the United States and abroad who would not otherwise receive care. Activities include collecting used eyeglasses and participating in vision screenings in underdeveloped countries.
UAB HealthCorps The mission of the UAB HealthCorps is to promote communication, collaboration, and community service among students of the participating health-professional schools. At the beginning of the fall term, two new students are selected from the schools of Dentistry, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, Optometry, and Public Health to work together towards the common goal of improving health at the community level. The UAB HealthCorps is a two-year commitment with meetings twice a month. The selected students will receive a $500 stipend at the end of each year. For more information about the program, please email uabhealthcorps@gmail.com