The METU OPTICA-SPIE Student Chapter represents two of the world's most prestigious optics societies. Both are well-established and leading organizations in their fields. OPTICA, currently known as The Optical Society, was founded in 1916 to unite scientists under one roof and to lead in research and education. SPIE, currently known as the international society of optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to provide specialization in the field of optical instrumentation.