Jeff Chou
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History & Mission
The Illinois College of Optometry has a long and distinguished legacy as the oldest continually operating educational facility in the world dedicated solely to the teaching of optometrists. Since its founding in 1872 by Dr. Henry Olin, ICO has remained at the forefront of optometry through the dedicated efforts of faculty, students and alumni.
For more than 135 years, the Illinois College of Optometry has been dedicated to providing an unsurpassed educational experience to optometry students who share our passion for excellence.
Mission
The mission of the Illinois College of Optometry is to provide excellence in optometric clinical education.
Values
- ICO will foster high expectations for academic and clinical excellence of our students.
- Experience in providing contemporary patient care is essential to fulfill ICO’s mission. The Illinois Eye Institute, as the clinical division of the College, will support the mission through its patient care, clinical training and research initiatives.
- A commitment by the faculty to contribute to the body of knowledge through scholarly activity or patient care excellence is expected.
- An atmosphere and community of influence is expected at ICO to foster the development of leaders in the profession and in our communities.
- Members of the ICO community will act with integrity and will respect the dignity of the individual.
- ICO will recruit highly qualified students from diverse backgrounds and prepare them for a lifetime of health care practice.
News & Events
ICO News
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ICO Marks 26th Year for providing vision care to DePaul University athletes On September 9, the Illinois Eye Institute Sports Vision service conducted a sports vision screening for the DePaul University athletic department. ICO students joined Dr. Stephen Beckerman to screen over 130 athletes from about 10 sports. The purpose of the screening was to determine if problems within the visual system were limiting athletic performance. This year, the screening consisted of an evaluation of vision, eye health and athletic skills for vision. |
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ICO Announces winners of the 2009 Alumni Association Awards ICO will recognize seven optometrists and two corporations on Friday for making exceptional strides in education, professional achievement, philanthropy, research and patient service, as well as for their outstanding contributions to ICO and the optometric profession.
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ICO Volunteers Make a Difference at MedFest 2009 |
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ICO Leaders Meet with AAO President Drs. Augsburger, Block, and Roberts met with Dr. Mark Eger, President of the American Academy of Optometry, to discuss recent activities of the Illinois Chapter of the Academy including ICO’s twice annual Rosenbloom Rounds, the Chapter's blogspot, and funding of student travel fellowships. The ICO Student Chapter of the Academy (officers Doan Huynh and Fred Collison) also updated Dr. Eger about their efforts to increase active student membership in the Academy. |
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ICO & IEI Give Back to the Community The Illinois College of Optometry and the Illinois Eye Institute partnered with Vistakon to provide free vision and eye health screenings to attendees at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) conference. More than 100 students, residents and faculty volunteered to screen several hundred adults and children in a specially designed booth at McCormick Place in Chicago. ICO students had the opportunity to practice their skills by interacting with attendees and working with equipment generously provided by Zeiss and Optos. |
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ICO Hosted Special Summer Program for Minority Students Twenty-four college students from across the country came to ICO to learn about the profession of optometry during ICO’s “Focus on Your Future” summer program. This week-long program, now in its second year, is designed to introduce underrepresented minority undergrads to the profession of optometry. Read the full press release. |
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ICO Faculty, Students Attend NOA Convention Students and faculty joined ICO President Dr. Arol Augsburger at the 41st convention of the National Optometric Association (NOA). ICO Board of Trustees member Dr. Millicent Knight, also attended. Dr. Augsburger made a presentation at the convention on the successes of Focus on Your Future, an ICO program designed to introduce underrepresented minority undergrads to the profession of optometry. He also installed the new NOA officers, hosted Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC) at the Awards Banquet, and discussed next steps in the implementation of Board Certification with attendees. |
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ProAV Spotlight Awards 15 Winning A/V Projects from Around the U.S. Architect magazine, August 2009 ICO’s Eyepod again featured as an innovative technology utilization award winner. |
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ICO Provides Sports Vision Services to Jr. Olympic Athletes |
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Leading by Example Illinois Governor Pat Quinn joined ICO’s Dr. Arol Augsburger at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Chicago. “One of our key principles is to extend the role of the Illinois College of Optometry through community service,” said Dr, Augsburger. Dr. Augsburger just completed his term as president for the organization, which is dedicated to promoting ethical leadership, professional success and friendship among Club members through service in the community and around the world. |
Other News
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ICO’s Dr. Valerie Kattouf Featured in Carolina Parent Vision changes are typical during pregnancy, says Dr. Valerie Kattouf, an associate professor of optometry and spokesperson for the American Optometric Association. “Even though every pregnant woman doesn’t experience blurriness or need new lenses, many find the hormonal fluctuations can cause a myriad of vision symptoms during pregnancy and throughout nursing,” Kattouf says. Read the article. |
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ICO’s Drs. Maino & Donati published in special autism issue of Optometry & Vision Development |
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Stay healthy and fit with the help of area professionals |
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Smith celebrates 40 years with a new clinic |
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Two Prominent Baltimore-Area Doctors Join The Polakoff Foundation Board of Directors |
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Researchers: Pediatrics/Ophthalmology statement on vision therapy outdated, flawed “It should also be noted that every school and college of optometry teach courses in and provides clinical experiences for students in the area of vision therapy and that the procedures used in vision therapy have been codified within text books published by major publishers throughout the United States and the international community,” said Dominick M. Maino, O.D., M.Ed., professor of Pediatrics/Binocular Vision at the Illinois College of Optometry and editor of Optometry & Vision Development. “Optometric vision therapy is a scientifically sound series of therapeutic procedures used successfully for a number of vision disorders from amblyopia to learning-related vision problems,” Dr. Maino said. |
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Industry Briefs |
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New doctor joins local practice |
| Kosir Graduates Doctor Optometry Peshtigo Times, July 22, 2009 Michael Kosir, son of Dan and Mickey Kosir of Silver Cliff, graduated cum laude from the Illinois College of Optometry as a Doctor of Optometry. |
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The Illinois College of Optometry is pleased to announce the appointment of Barclay (Bic) Bakkum, D.C., Ph.D., as the new associate dean for academic affairs. Read more |
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The Illinois Eye Institute (IEI) has launched Chicago Vision Outreach, a pilot initiative that will improve eye care for patients in desperate need. The program will connect optometrists to underserved patients who suffer from vision and eye care problems often caused by chronic illnesses such as diabetes. This community-focused initiative, which will dramatically increase accessibility to eye care to many Chicago residents, is supported by a total of $350,000 in private grants. Read more |
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The National Optometric Association (NOA) recently awarded its "School of the Year" award to the Illinois College of Optometry at the 42nd NOA Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The award is given to a school that supports NOA's mission to advance the visual health of minority populations and was voted on by NOA members. ICO was specifically recognized for its commitment to recruit minority students to the field of optometry. |
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ICO congratulates the Class of 2011 for their success in achieving excellence on Part I of the NBEO examination. ICO's pass rate was 97.2%, well above the national average of 92.1% for first-time takers and 85.1% for all takers of the exam. These are outstanding results, and the entire ICO community stands proud. |
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With graduation a few short days away, ICO’s Class of 2010 began their celebration today during ICO Capstone, an annual event to honor achievements and ready students for commencement. The soon-to-be graduates were joined by ICO faculty, staff, industry representatives, and others to recognize students during the awards presentation. Click here to view the full list of award and scholarship winners. |
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The results are in! ICO students achieve a pass rate of 97.9% on Part 2 of the NBEO examination, well above the national average of 90.6%. |
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New Fellow class of 2009 includes 15 ICO grads, 4 faculty members
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Illinois College of Optometry Doctors Achieve Fellow Status in the American Academy of Optometry |
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ICO’s Dr. Maino receives prestigious award October 2009 |
The Illinois College of Optometry holds professional accreditation from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association, which is a member of the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The College is also accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, from which ICO received the strongest possible endorsement from an accrediting body. The degree program curriculum is also approved by the State of Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs.
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2012
2. Chun R, Bhakhri R, Coalter J, Jay W. (2012). Smartphone Usage in Patients with Optic Atrophy. Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, 36(5): 193-195 4. Ittner EA, Klemencic SA. Nutritional Optic Neuropathy Secondary to Topiramate-Induced Appetite Suppression. Optometry, 82(6): 370 5. Kelly S, Pang Y, Klemencic S. (2012). Reliability of the CSV-1000 in Adults and Children. Optometry and Vision Science, 89(8): 1172-81. 6. Lee PP, West SK, Block SS, Clayton J, Cotch MF, Flynn C, Geiss LS, Klein R, Olsen TW, Owsley C, Primo SA, Rubin GS, Ryskulova A, Sharma S, Friedman DS, Zhang X, Crews JE, Saaddine JB. (2012). Surveillance of disparities in vision and eye health in the United States: an expert panel's opinions. Am J Ophthalmol., 154(6 Suppl):S3-7. 8. Pang Y, Allison C, Frantz KA, Block S, Goodfellow G. (2012). A Prospective Pilot Study of Treatment Outcomes for Amblyopia Associated with Myopic Anisometropia. Archive of Ophthalmology, 130(5): 579-584 9. Pang Y, Frantz KA, Schlange D. (2012). Vision Therapy Management for Dissociated Horizontal Deviation. Optometry and Vision Science, 89(11):e72-7. 10. Pang Y, Teitelbaum B, Krall J. (2012). Factors Predicting Base-in Prism Treatment Outcomes in Presbyopes with Convergence Insufficiency. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 95(2): 192-197. 13. Roberts DK, Lukic A, Yang Y, Wilensky JT, Wernick M. (2012). Multispectral diagnostic imaging of the iris in pigment dispersion syndrome. J Glaucoma, 21: 351-7. 14. Roberts DK, Wilensky JT. (2012). Long anterior lens zonules. Clin Exp Ophthalmol, 40: 764-6. 15. Stone WH, Ittner EA, Teitelbaum BA, Messner LV. (2012). Progressive, Asymptomatic papilledema as the presenting sign of a chiari malformation. Optometry, 83(3): 114-9. 16. Teitelbaum B, Pang Y, Krall, J. (2012). Ocular Surface Disease and Convergence Insufficiency Overlap of Symptom. Optometry, 83(6): 53-55. 17. Winters JE, Stone WH. (2012). Assessment of risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in a low-income, uninsured population. Optometry, 83(6):45-51. Book Chapters and Non-Peer Reviewed Publications 1. Maino D, Donati, R, Pang Y, Viola S, Barry S. Neuroplasticity. In Taub M, Bartuccio M, Maino D. (Eds) Visual Diagnosis and Care of the Patient with Special Needs; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. New York, NY; 2012: 275-288
1. Allen, M, Kattouf, V, Beatty, R, Pang, Y, Messner, S, Messner, L, Devick, S, Huynh, D, Gonzales, C, Franz, S, Pham, B, Pall, J. The King- Devick Test as a Reading Fluency Training Program. American Optometric Association 2012 Annual Meeting. 2. Allison, C, Sigler, M. Visual Findings in Waardenburg Syndrome. American Optometric Association 2012 Annual Meeting.
5. Bhakhri, R, Ittner, E. Progressive Outer Retinal Necrosis Following Varicella Zoster Infection. American Optometric Association 2012 Annual Meeting. 6. Bhakhri, R, Chun, R, Coalter, J, Jay, W. A Survey of Smartphone Usage in Low Vision Patients. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 2012 Annual Meeting. 7. Block, SS. Integration of vision screening and outcome data into existing state surveillance systems. American Public Health Association Vision Care Section, American Public Health Association 2012 Annual Meeting.
2011
1. Frantz KA, Elston P, Michalik E, Templeman CD, Zoltoski RK. (2011). Comparison of fixation disparity measured by Saladin card and Disparometer. Optometry and Vision Science, 88(6): 733-741. 2. Klemencic SA, McMahon J, Upadhyay S, Messner LV. (2011). SD OCT as a Predictor of Visual Function in Chronic Solar Maculopathy. Optometry and Vision Science, 88(8): 1014-1019. 3. Klemencic SA, Newman TL, Messner LV. (2011). Selective Inner Retinal Layer Involvement in Syphilitic Retinitis as Evidenced by Spectral Domain OCT. Journal of Optometry, 4(2): 37-40. 4. Maino D. Brock String Debuts at 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. (2011). Optometry and Vision Development, 42(1):6-9. 5. Opitz, DL. (2011). Silicone Punctal Plugs as an Adjunctive Therapy for Open-angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 94(5): 438-442. 6. Pang, Y., Goodfellow, G., Allison, C., Block, S., Frantz, K.A. (2011). A Prospective Study of Macular Thickness in Children with Myopic Anisometropic Amblyopia. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 52(5): 2445-2449.
1. Maino D, Chase C. Asthenopia: Technology Induced Visual Impairment. (2011). Review of Optometry. June Supplement (2): 28-35.
1. Kelly, S, Milunas, V, Jackson, T, Albers, J, Kowalski, J. Simultaneous Measurement of Brightness and Pupil Size with Yellow Tinted-Lenses (YTLs). American Academy of Optometry 2011 Annual Meeting.
2010 19. Leishman, B, Kruouch, Z. Management of Congenital Corneal Scars in a Child. American Optometric Association 2010 Annual Meeting. |
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The Illinois College of Optometry has a strong commitment to excellence in research. Some of our current research studies include: Investigators: Daniel K. Roberts, O.D., M.S., Radha Ayyagari, Ph.D., Faye Davis, Ph.D., Jacob Wilensky, M.D. Using a community-based, randomized, controlled multi-center crossover trial, we will evaluate the functional utility for general mobility (walking) of new high power (57 prism diopters (.) - about 30°) permanent peripheral prism glasses, which provide visual field expansion device for patients with homonymous hemianopia. The primary objective will be to compare the high-power prism glasses to a control device (very low power prism glasses). The secondary objective will be to compare the functional utility of two designs of the peripheral prism glasses, the current horizontal design and a new oblique design: We will evaluate the hypothesis that the oblique design provides more useful field expansion for general mobility than the horizontal design. In addition we will also evaluate the use of a simplified prism-fitting protocol for community-based practitioners, which incorporates a standard inter-prism Provision of Low Vision Rehabilitation Services and Devices to Increase Quality of Life in Senior with Vision Loss Investigators: Tracy Matchinski, OD, Derrald Taylor, OD, Janis Winters, OD, Karen Squier, OD and Danielle Poole, OD The risk for developing serious vision and eye problems increases with age, and specifically people over 61 have an increased risk for cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other sight-threatening or visually impairing eye conditions. While most visual changes can be corrected by traditional glasses, contact lenses, medical treatment or surgery, those caused by eye diseases or injury can cause permanent loss. People with low vision retain some usable vision but have reduced visual acuity or a significantly obstructed field of vision, or both as well as significant loss of contrast sensitivity, color vision and binocularity/depth perception. As a result, they have difficulty with the activities of daily living (such as reading prescription labels and driving), leisure pursuits, education, vocation and social interactions. Seniors with low vision often experience grief, confusion, fear, anxiety, depression, and loss of self-esteem. Rehabilitative services, environmental modifications, and assistive devices have been shown to be effective in helping people with low vision use their residual vision more effectively. Investigators: Yi Pang, Ph.D., O.D., Sandra Block, O.D., M. Ed, Christine Allison, O.D., Geoffrey Goodfellow, O.D., Brian Caden, O.D., M. Ed, Megan Allen, O.D. ATS is NIH-funded multi-center clinical studies. Several studies in amblyopia treatment have been carried on and the study results become clinical guidelines. Currently, we have 2 ongoing ATS. Investigators: Yi Pang, Ph.D., O.D., Sandra Block, O.D., M. Ed, Christine Allison, O.D., Geoffrey Goodfellow, O.D., Brian Caden, O.D., M. Ed, Megan Allen, O.D. This is a NIH-funded multi-center clinical study. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of occlusion for the treatment of IXT and to determine the natural history of IXT among patients aged 3 to < 11 years Investigators: Mark M. Rasenick, PhD (P.I at UIC) and Robert J. Donati, PhD Investigators: Yi Pang, Ph.D., O.D., Kelly Frantz, O.D., Sandra Block, O.D., M.Ed, Christine Allison, O.D., Geoffrey Goodfellow, O.D. This study is addressing issues related to the treatment outcomes of amblyopia caused by myopic anisometropia in children 4 to 14 years old. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether macular pathology exists in association with myopic anisometropia and to determine if there is VA improvement with refractive correction alone and patching treatment in amblyopia associated with myopic anisometropia. Investigators: Yi Pang, Ph.D., O.D., Kelly Frantz, O.D. In this study, HRT will be utilized to measure the size of the optic disc and the thickness of the RNFL in the eyes with optic nerve hypoplasia. We will determine if HRT can assist the diagnosis of ONH by comparing to the standard test, the ratio of the distance between the center of the optic disc and the center of the macula and the mean optic disc diameter. Investigators: Janis E. Winters O.D. Epidemiological research is being done to characterize vision as well as ocular/systemic disease among the low-income uninsured individuals served. The goal is to illustrate the unmet health needs of this population and promote development of other programs to serve low-income uninsured individuals. Investigators: Barclay W. Bakkum, D.C., Ph.D., Lu Fan, Ph.D., Rochelle S. Cohen, Ph.D. Investigators: Valerie M. Kattouf O.D., Megan Allen O.D., Janice McMahon O.D. The Interrelationship of Five Oculomotor Diagnostic Tests and their Associated Binocular Vision Correlates" Investigators: Darrell Schlange, O.D., D.O.S., Dominick Maino, O.D., M.Ed., Brian Caden, O.D., M.A., Angela Rodriguez The purpose of this study is to determine the value of several oculomotor (eye-movement) tests for accurately and appropriately recording the ability and efficiency of eye-movements necessary for reading, near vision and classroom work. This study may help pediatric optometrist determine which tests are most helpful for patients of different ages and abilities. Investigators: Susan A. Kelly, Ph.D. Yi Pang, O.D.,Ph.D. Accurate perception of the spatial location of objects in our visual environment depends upon the accurate perception of near distances which can then be used as a template to extend accurate spatial localization to further distances. If both the angular declination of an object and the slope of the surface supporting the object can be correctly detected then observers can accurately localize the egocentric distance and height of objects up to 20 m. Amblyopes have been reported to have difficulty both estimating near distances and sampling visual space, and thus may not accurately localize objects. Our results thus far indicate that strabismic amblyopes do indeed have difficulty with object localization while anisometropic amblyopes perform similarly to visual normals. Investigators: Frederick Collison, B.S., My Huyn, B.S., Susan Kelly, Ph.D. Yellow –tinted lenses have been known to increase perceived brightness in visually normal observers. It has been hypothesized that this may be due, in part, to their short-wavelength filtering characteristics. The reduction in short-wavelength light would cause less pupillary constriction, as the intrinsically-photosensitive ganglion cells of the retina, which have peak absorption at 480 nm and contribute to pupillary light reflex, would not be stimulated. We are investigating this possibility by measuring both perceived brightness as well as pupillary size in the same observer. Contact Lens Adaptation: Comfort over time Investigators: Janice Jurkus, OD, MBA Gas Permeable (GP) and Silicone Hydrogel (SiHy) toric lenses are both used to correct vision, especially astigmatism. This study will rank perception of comfort during at different times in the initial adaptation for both lens modalities. Psychophysical Magnocellular and Parvocellular Pathway Contrast Gain in Patients with Optic Neuritis and Multiple Sclerosis Investigators (In alphabetical order): David Y. Lee, OD, PhD, Leonard V. Messner, OD, Dingcai Cao, PhD, Susan Ksiazek, MD, Jeffrey Nichols, MD, Joel Pokorny, PhD, Andrew J. Zele, PhD Efficacy of Topical Azithromycin (Azasite) Ophthalmic Solution in the Treatment of Dysfunctional Tear Syndrome Investigators: Dominick L. Opitz, O.D., Keith Tyler, O.D. Description: Blepharitis often contributes to the clinical signs and symptoms similar to dry eye or Dysfunctional Tear Syndrome. Traditional treatment used for dry eye, such as lubricating eye drops, does little to improve blepharitis. The purpose of this study is to determine if azithromycin 1% ophthalmic solution (Azasite) applied to the eyelid margins reduce the symptoms and signs of dry eye caused by blepharitis. Vision Therapy as an Additive/Alternative Treatment for Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder - Phase II Investigators: Darrel Schlange, O.D. Description: The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Vision Therapy as an alternative and/or additive treatment for attention and hyperactivity problems. Some binocular vision problems are often associated with attention disorders. Therefore we will treat the vision problem and test the subsequent changes in attention using the Test of Variables of Attention. We believe this information will be helpful in providing information on alternative and additive procedures for attention problems, not using medication. An Investigation of Eye Movement Skills and their Relationship to Birth Order Investigators: Christine Allison, O.D. and Darrel Schlange, O.D. Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between birth order and eye movement skills, as well as to investigate the relationship between various types of play activities and eye movement skills. We would expect that children without siblings, and/or oldest children may have better eye movement skills due to the types of play activities that they perform, and the increased time that they may spend reading with their parents versus children with multiple siblings. |





















