Optometric Student Association

Comprised of student representatives from each class, the University of California Optometric Student Association (UCOSA) represents the interests of students to the faculty. UCOSA also organizes vision care services through student-sponsored activities, student activities, textbook sales, and publication of the Berkeley Study Guide for national board exams. Outside of academics, UCOSA creates a yearbook, designs and sells Berkeley Optometry merchandise, and hosts school-wide social events to bring our community together.

Suitcase Clinic

Students provide free preliminary vision screenings at the First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley to low-income and homeless persons in the Berkeley area. Besides optometric care, patients at the Suitcase Clinic receive — from other professionals — medical, chiropractic, and legal help. Even free haircuts are offered. All funding for the clinic is through university grants and donations. People in need of further evaluation are referred to the Meredith Morgan Eye Center for complete eye exams, free of charge. These patients are also eligible to receive a free pair of glasses.

Vision Screenings and Community Outreach

Students perform vision screening at events such as the Lion’s Club Vision Screening program and the California CareForce Vision Screening program. Students also visit local elementary schools to help children learn more about vision and the eye.

Campus Events

Students participate in campus events such as Cal Day, alumni programs, Save Your Vision Week, and Foresight (UC Berkeley’s Pre-Optometry Club) Programs.

Berkeley Study Guide

The Berkeley Study Guide is a comprehensive review of optometric material that has been compiled to help you pass the National Board Exams in Optometry the first time! The Study Guide is written and maintained by Berkeley Optometry students. It is available to purchase via the button below.

Officers and Contacts

Please use the email addresses listed below to contact UCOSA officers.

President
UCOSA.President@gmail.com

President-Elect
UCOSA.PresElect@gmail.com

Vice-Presidents
UCOSA.VicePresident@gmail.com

Secretary
UCOSA.Secretary@gmail.com

Co-Treasurers
UCOSA.Treasurer@gmail.com

Academic Liaison
UCOSA.AcadLiaison@gmail.com

Communications
UCOSA.Communications@gmail.com

Merchandise Coordinator
UCOSA.GradFundChair@gmail.com

Student Life Committee
UCOSA.StudentLife@gmail.com

Philanthropy Co-Chairs
UCOSA.Philanthropy@gmail.com

Historians
UCOSA.Historian@gmail.com