The IUOSA is the representative body for all optometry students at IU. Its representatives work closely with the IU School of Optometry faculty and staff as well as with liaisons from the American Optometric Association (AOA), American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), and the Indiana Optometric Association (IOA). In addition to representing student issues to the dean and faculty, IUOSA organizes student activities and events throughout the year.

The IUOSA representatives include the elected president, president-elect, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and two student representatives from each Optometry class. Additionally, both the AOSA trustee and the trustee-elect are involved in IUOSA decision making. Membership is open to all students enrolled in the School of Optometry. By paying one set of dues to IUOSA, you become a member of IUOSA and the AOSA, AOA, and IOA organizations. Every student is welcome and encouraged to participate in IUOSA and its many projects. Weekly meetings in the student lounge on the third floor of the optometry building are open to all members.

If you have questions about IUOSA, please contact the representatives below. (Voting for the 1st-year OD representatives takes place during the second week of school.)

Below is a sampling of some of IUOSA's annual activities. Watch your e-mail and the IU School of Optometry Web Calendar for dates of events.

Fall Kick-Off

A first-year optometry student's first chance to meet the rest of the student body is at beautiful Lake Monroe. The lake has a great beach area for swimming and also boating and fishing. Meet us in the picnic area for a cookout, swimming, sports, and socializing. First years can look forward to making new friends and learning about life as an optometry student.

Tailgate IU Football

Take an afternoon study break and find out what being part of a Big Ten university is about! Each class will organize its own tailgate and try to outdo the other classes. Creative tailgating ideas and your presence at the tailgate is a must! Wear your cream and crimson and we'll see you there. Go IU!

Just look for the IU School of Optometry banner. Homecoming tailgate is usually at 17th and Woodlawn.

IOA Student Seminar

IUOSA offers a very beneficial meeting and roundtable discussion with Indiana optometrists. This is a unique opportunity for students to gain insight into the profession and to network with Indiana optometrists. The doctors will go table to table to meet and talk with students, sharing important information and reminiscing about their time at IU. Even if you are not planning on practicing in Indiana, you will find this seminar a great investment of your time. You need to sign up for this event in advance so make sure to listen for announcements from your IUOSA class representative.

Equipment Show

IUOSA--in conjunction with major optometric equipment companies, suppliers, and our hardworking equipment representatives--brings you our fall equipment show. Students get a chance to sample, play with, and learn about optometry's most sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Students should plan on spending a good amount of time at the equipment show as each piece of equipment has different benefits and drawbacks. Make sure to do your research and most of all talk to people who own different types of equipment to hear the positives and negatives. The time you spend at the equipment show will determine which products you end up buying, so make sure to save enough time for one of IUOSA's most important events.

Bonfire

Celebrate this fall tradition and get back to Indiana's roots. The bonfire is about being outdoors, enjoying the natural richness of southern Indiana, and taking the occasional "scary walk." Tell stories, sing songs, dance, star gaze, roast marshmallows, and enjoy spirits with friends as you keep warm by the fire. This is one weekend to stay in town and invite friends to come visit IU. See ya'll there!!

Homecoming

Support IU sports and help show the school of optometry's involvement in campus life. The optometry school has a float every year, and we could use your creative talent! The day after the parade is the actual game. Be sure to come out and support the team and meet all the optometry alumni who come back for this special weekend. Talk to your class reps to find out more.

Eye Ball

At about mid-semester, look around class and you will notice the guys are unshaven and wearing ball caps, and the girls have stopped wearing make-up and have their hair tied back. You will agree that we need a night out! Put on your best formal wear and join IUOSA at our biggest social event of the year, the Eye Ball! Presentation of awards for AI- and professor-of-the-year, a comedy show by the third-year class, dinner, and dancing with a live DJ are part of the evening.

Optometry Olympics

In this X-tremely popular IUOSA event 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-year classes go head to head to decide who rules the school! Participants may find themselves sprinting for the finish line in the sprint relay, 2-mile relay, or the 3-legged race; dig one out in the volleyball tournament; hit one out in the homerun derby, and lay out for a great game-winning catch in the Ultimate Frisbee tournament. Jell-O slurpers and egg tossers are welcome, too! Whether you are an athlete or just enjoy sports, make sure to come out and cheer on your classmates.