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The American Foundation for Vision Awareness (AFVA), formerly the Auxiliary to the American Optometric Association, is a nonprofit organization whose members are spouses of optometrists. The organization has been in existence since 1927 and has affiliates in most states.
The mission of the organization is to educate people of all ages about their vision and to create awareness of quality eye and vision care and to support vision-related scientific research.
The AFVA develops programs and materials for all age groups, and members are involved in promoting vision awareness in communities throughout the country. Currently, the organization is involved in developing a literacy program. The main goal of this program is to guarantee a vision exam for every child entering school.
The AFVA has demonstrated its support for optometric education and research through awards of research grants and fellowships to optometry faculty and students. In recent years over $250,000 has been awarded. Additionally, approximately $20,000 is given in scholarships to students each year by state affiliates. (Students may contact the Office of Student Administration for more information concerning these scholarships.)
| Optometric Student Spouse Organizations
These organizations are made up of spouses of optometry students at individual schools and colleges of optometry. The AFVA supports these organizations and encourages all spouses to become involved. While AFVA does not provide funds, support is given through the Executive Board Liaison Program, which offers information concerning programs and materials.
The purpose of student spouse organizations is:
- To offer spouses the opportunity of becoming informed about the profession of optometry and vision care. This knowledge is gained through lectures and programs provided by faculty members and others. Tours of optometric practices in the area, and the optometry school may also be arranged.
- To become acquainted and involved in the community by creating vision awareness through programs and materials. The AFVA has many programs that can be utilized.
- To create an opportunity for social interaction among spouses--to help generate friendships and support.
Each student spouse organization coordinates its own program, activities, and organizational structure. Currently, there is no organization for optometry student spouses at IU. Please contact the Office of Student Administration if you are interested.
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