Founded in 2009, this club is managed by the joint Optica (formerly Optical Society of America) and SPIE Student Chapters at the University of Toronto. Our mission is to bring together students passionate about optics and photonics while fostering outreach, professional development, camaraderie, and technical growth. Through events, networking opportunities, and hands-on initiatives, we connect students with industry leaders, researchers, and fellow optics enthusiasts worldwide.

Outreach is at the heart of our mission— we strive to make optics and photonics more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented and rural communities. Our activities include hands-on workshops, mentorship programs, and public engagement initiatives to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

We also provide professional development opportunities, such as technical training, industry panels, and research discussions, to equip students with the skills and connections needed to excel in academia and industry. Camaraderie is key to our community, fostering meaningful relationships through social events, study groups, and networking sessions. Finally, our commitment to technical development ensures that students can engage in cutting-edge research and innovation in optics and photonics.

Our club is guided by three pillars: Inclusion, Support, and Social Impact & Communication. We welcome both graduate and undergraduate students from any program who share an interest in optics and photonics and want to engage in our events and initiatives.