Abarnaa Arithas is a Doctor of Optometry candidate at the University of Waterloo and a graduate of McMaster University, where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences. Originally from the Greater Toronto Area, she is passionate about advancing the profession through student leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. Throughout her studies, she has taken on numerous leadership roles, including serving as President of the Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS) Waterloo chapter, where she helped launch the university's first Student Optometry Leadership Forum. Abarnaa's experiences in research, mentorship, and clinical practice have strengthened her interests in eye health, access to care, and professional advocacy. She is particularly interested in fostering connections within the optometric community and empowering students to become engaged leaders in the profession.
