College of Optometry (CO) 2023–2024 131 awareness regarding the profession of optometry in Canada. Current issues, challenges, and changes to the profession are discussed at meetings and through email correspondence. The CAOS strives to bring guest speakers from Canada to speak to the students about various topics, and aims to provide information for common issues faced by all Canadian students studying in the United States, such as obtaining immigration papers, a driver’s license, and provincial financial aid. College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) is a full-scope optometric care organization dedicated to the enhancement of vision. It brings together those optometric students who have demonstrated professional interest and proficiency in helping people to develop and enhance scholastic achievement, vocational competence, social interaction, and emotional well-being. Cornea and Contact Lens Club (CLKS) The mission of the Contact Lens and Cornea Society (CLKS) is to disseminate information to students, faculty, and the community about contact lenses, contact lens care, and corneal conditions related to contact lenses. The CLKS strives to provide information about the newest contact lenses and contact lens care systems, as well as the latest contact lens relevant corneal studies, and seeks to interest students to participate in contact lens-related studies and research. Fellowship of Christian Optometrists (FCO) International The Fellowship of Christian Optometrists (FCO) International’s primary mission is to help optometrists become established in the type of mission work that combines eye care and the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ, both in the workplace and on mission fields around the world. Furthermore, the FCO International desires to promote and maintain fellowship among optometrists, while creating an environment for spiritual growth. The FCO International aims to establish, maintain, and operate educational training programs and clinics in optometry and allied ophthalmic fields for students and those who are members of, or affiliated with, the FCO International. 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.
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