STUDENT SECTION
Give voice. Create change. Ensure the Future.
Help shape your profession now, when it matters the most. Consider your student membership as an investment in your career, and an opportunity to introduce yourself to the professionals in optometry.
The California Optometric Association welcomes you to join as a student or post-graduate member. Any student planning/hoping to practice in California is encouraged to apply! Membership offers you an opportunity to gain an understanding of the issues facing optometrists in the state today, to network with and learn from California ODs, and access to COA members-only resources and expert knowledge.
Student Member Benefits:
Complimentary Membership:
Dues are waived while you are attending a school of optometry. Your AOA Residency dues are $35 annually.Access to Members Only at COA Online:
Student membership provides you with password access to the members-only section of COA's website.Free Education:
COA virtual meetings are free for students, and in-person meetings are almost free!Student Vote at the COA House of Delegates:
Student delegates from the California schools of optometry are invited to participate in the COA House of Delegates, an annual meeting of society representatives, to conduct association business.Explore local societies of COA:
Take the opportunity to introduce yourself to the professionals in optometry. Many local societies surrounding the two California schools of optometry welcome students at their membership meetings and/or may have special mentoring opportunities available.
YOUNG ADVOCATE Recognition
As we prepare to welcome you as colleagues and OD members of the American Optometric Association and the California Optometric Association, the California Optometric Student Section would like to thank you for your contributions and membership in COA during your optometry school years. Your professional journey is only beginning, and we look forward to seeing your continued involvement, be it in California or elsewhere.
We’d like to recognize the students who went above and beyond to get involved in organized optometry, stay engaged with their state and national associations, and represent our profession in legislative advocacy efforts. Congratulations to our COA Young Advocates!