Curriculum

While ICO is known for providing a top-notch clinical experience, we also provide students a very thorough and broad foundation in the basic sciences. The basic biomedical courses are concentrated in the first two years of the program and are intended to lay the groundwork for students to master the wide range of skills necessary to provide full scope primary eye care. These courses include interactive laboratories and cover optics, ocular anatomy and physiology, visual perception, neuroanatomy, sensory aspects of vision, color vision, as well as human anatomy, immunology, and pharmacology.

Moving into the clinical program, students can count on gaining unique, high-quality experiences in primary eyecare, pediatric optometry, binocular vision, low vision rehabilitation, contact lenses, emergency care and ocular disease. Overall, the clinical program is student-centered, beginning in the lecture-laboratory setting and advancing to a one-to-one relationship between student and patient. As the student progresses through the professional program, patient contact increases.

Clinical rotations at the Illinois Eye Institute and at more than 130 affiliated clinical sites provide the volume and variety of patient care experiences needed for the development of a well-rounded clinician.

Curriculum
Note: Elective courses are offered each year

1st Year

• Basic science classroom and laboratory curriculum
• Clinical observations in the Primary Eyecare Service of the Illinois Eye Institute
• Private Practice Clerkship
• Patient Advocate Program

2nd Year

• Clinical science classroom and laboratory curriculum
• Clinical training: observations, evaluations, dispensing and screenings
• Patient Advocate Program
• Early patient care experiences in Primary Eyecare

3rd Year

• Diagnosis and treatment of advanced ocular systemic diseases
• Weekly patient care in the Primary Eyecare Service of the Illinois Eye Institute
• Early patient care experiences in Advanced Ophthalmic Care, Cornea/Contact Lens, and Pediatrics/Binocular Vision

4th Year

• Three externship rotations with at least one VA Hospital setting
• Mandatory areas of focus: Advanced Ophthalmic Care, Cornea/Contact Lens, Low Vision Rehabilitation, and Pediatrics/Binocular Vision, and Primary Eyecare