Student Membership

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The California Optometric Association welcomes you to join as a student or post-graduate member. Out-of-state students are also encouraged to apply. Membership offers you an opportunity to gain an understanding of the issues facing optometrists in the state today, and as a future doctor of optometry. Apply for Student Membership.

Benefits include:

• Complimentary Membership
  Dues are waived while you are attending a school of optometry. Your dues will also be waived if you are enrolled in a post-graduate or residency program.
• Access to Members Only at COA Online 
  Student membership provides you with password-access to the members only section of COA's website.
• Access to read COA's award-winning California Optometry magazine online.
• Student Registration Discount at COA's educational conferences
• Student Vote at the COA House of Delegates
  Student delegates from both 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.

Priority Membership Offer

An invitation especially for fourth year optometry students. Apply today for New Practitioner Priority Membership.

Don't get lost in the transition from new graduate to licensed optometrist. Priority Membership is your commitment to becoming an active member as soon as you become licensed in the state of California.

Submit your application in advance of your graduation and COA will automatically finalize your membership application at all three levels – California Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, and your local optometric society—as soon as we are notified about your California licensure. Remember, take advantage of full, active membership as soon as you become licensed…dues are waived during the remaining calendar you are licensed.