Former Illinois College of Optometry President Selected as
2009 Inductee to National Optometry Hall of Fame
Dr. Charles Mullen Recognized for Contributions to the Profession

June 24, 2009 (CHICAGO) — Former Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) president Dr. Charles Mullen will be inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame in recognition of his many significant additions to the profession. Dr. Mullen will be inducted the evening of Friday, June 26, 2009, in Washington, D.C., at Optometry’s Meeting®, the annual meeting of the American Optometric Association.

“The ICO community is proud of Dr. Mullen and congratulates him on his deserved induction into the Optometry Hall of Fame,” said Dr. Arol Augsburger, president of ICO. “We’re pleased to see Dr. Mullen recognized for his longtime commitment and many advances to the eye care community.” Dr. Mullen served as president of ICO from 1996 to 2002.

Dr. Mullen will join 46 other individuals who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception. The mission of the Optometry Hall of Fame is to recognize distinguished men and women who have made exceptional and enduring lifetime contributions to the optometry profession.

Building institutions of quality education, forming national healthcare policy and strengthening urban communities through quality optometric and ophthalmic care are a few of Dr. Mullen’s notable contributions to the optometry profession.

Dr. Mullen has planned and redesigned the profession for the past 40 years. From 1970 to 1976, he worked in the president’s office at The New England College of Optometry as special assistant for clinical development. Dr. Mullen next went on to serve as executive director of the Eye Institute at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry from 1976 to 1990. He then became the director of the Optometry Service for the Department of Veteran Affairs in Washington, D.C. from 1990 to 1996, until he became president of the Illinois College of Optometry.

An instrumental figure in moving optometry to the forefront of primary eye care, Dr. Mullen understood that optometry and ophthalmology were complementary and worked to extend care to underserved populations.

“ICO remains grateful to Dr. Mullen for his leadership and for helping to make ICO the thriving, well-respected institution that it is today,” said Dr. Augsburger. “Very few people receive this honor and we all share in congratulating Dr. Mullen.”

About the Illinois College of Optometry
The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) provides excellence in optometric clinical education and is one of the world’s leading urban optometric institutions. Since its founding in 1872 by Dr. Henry Olin, ICO has offered aspiring optometrists the education and experience needed to meet the challenges of a changing health care environment and become leaders who will advocate for patients and the profession alike. Located in Chicago, ICO has a long and distinguished legacy as the oldest continually operating educational facility in the world dedicated solely to the teaching of optometrists. For more information about the Illinois College of Optometry, visit www.ico.edu.

Illinois Eye Institute Hosts First-Ever “Eye Ball” Gala

June 24, 2009 (CHICAGO) — The Foundation of the Illinois Eye Institute (IEI), the clinical division of the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), hosted the first-ever “Eye Ball” gala in combination with ICO’s May 16, 2009, graduation.

More than 300 people enjoyed dinner, dancing and the opportunity to bid on auction items at the Ritz Carlton Chicago. Lauren Jiggetts of NBC-5, Chicago’s news affiliate, hosted the event and Paul Vallas, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, received the “Visionary Award” for his work with student vision and learning issues in three major U.S. cities.

“We’re pleased that our first-ever gala was a success,” said Dr. Vincent Brandys, senior director of governmental relations and advancement for IEI. “The gala provided an opportunity for the IEI Foundation to gain exposure among new audiences and showcase the many charitable programs we offer to current and prospective donors.”

Donors contributed to the gala by purchasing tickets, participating in the silent and live auctions and buying raffle tickets. The gala also provided the opportunity for IEI guests and staff to network with NBC’s Lauren Jiggetts, her father and former Chicago Bears player Dan Jiggetts, and Paul Vallas. All three are committed to helping IEI next year to ensure the gala remains a success.

“The IEI Foundation is dedicated to finding new ways to broaden its reach and help a greater number of people through the charitable programs it provides,” said Dr. Brandys. “The ‘Eye’ Ball gala is one way we will continue to attract new audiences and additional donors to the Foundation.”

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About the Illinois Eye Institute
Illinois Eye Institute (IEI) is the clinical division of the Illinois College of Optometry. IEI is a nonprofit, multi-specialty eye center that provides comprehensive eye care to individuals of all ages from the Chicago area and beyond, regardless of their financial status. It is designed and staffed to meet general ocular health and visual needs and provide highly specialized optical services. The IEI has over 90,000 visits annually from a largely low-income, medically underserved patient population and provides charitable services and outreach programs to assist people in need, through its foundation. For more information about the Illinois Eye Institute, visit www.illinoiseyeinstitute.com.

About the Illinois College of Optometry
The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) provides excellence in optometric clinical education and is one of the world’s leading urban optometric institutions. Since its founding in 1872 by Dr. Henry Olin, ICO has offered aspiring optometrists the education and experience needed to meet the challenges of a changing health care environment and become leaders who will advocate for patients and the profession alike. Located in Chicago, ICO has a long and distinguished legacy as the oldest continually operating educational facility in the world dedicated solely to the teaching of optometrists. For more information about the Illinois College of Optometry, visit www.ico.edu.

Illinois College of Optometry Hosts Special Summer Program for Minority Students

CHICAGO — Twenty-four college students from across the country are learning about the profession of optometry during the Illinois College of Optometry’s (ICO) “Focus on Your Future” summer program this week. This week-long program, now in its second year, is designed to introduce underrepresented minority undergrads to the profession of optometry.

“This program provides an opportunity for students to meet other people who have similar backgrounds and share the same desire to get into the profession of optometry,” said Teisha Johnson, director of admissions and marketing for ICO. “As one of the world’s leading urban optometric institutions, ICO is pleased to offer this unique summer experience at no cost to the participating students, with the exception of travel and transportation fees.”

Participants attend sample optometry course lectures, about topics such as neuroanatomy and optics, and ICO student panel discussions. They are given an overview of the ICO admissions process and participate in career and leadership development sessions. They also gain valuable clinical experience by observing in the Illinois Eye Institute and experience ICO student life by staying in ICO’s Residential Complex during the program, which ends Friday, July 10.

This experience introduces students to a growing profession. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of optometrists is projected to increase 7 to 13 percent through 2016, as a result of the vision care needs of a growing and aging population.

“Optometry is a great career possibility for me and this program is a great way to get exposed to the profession,” said Nya Randle-El, a sophomore at Moraine Valley Community College and native of Hickory Hills. “My favorite part of the program so far has been the hands-on learning with the instruments, but I have also enjoyed the lectures.”

The “Focus on Your Future” program is open to all undergraduate underrepresented minority students who are currently in their first, second or third year of college. Interested students are required to participate in an application process. They’re also asked to submit a one-page personal essay describing their motivation to participate in the program and the profession and a letter of support from an academic advisor or faculty member.

ICO would like to see participation in O.D. programs better reflect the population, especially with the growth in underrepresented patient populations. Currently, only 3 percent of all optometry students are African American and only 4.5 percent are Hispanic or Latino, according to the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. “Focus on Your Future” aims to bridge the discrepancy in minority enrollment in O.D. programs compared to the population.

Optometrists, two corporations honored for excellence during Alumni Weekend, September 11-13, 2009

September 17, 2009 (CHICAGO) — The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO, www.ico.edu) announced the winners of the 2009 Alumni Awards during a class reunion banquet held at the InterContinental Chicago on September 11, 2009. Seven optometrists and two corporations were honored for excellence and leadership in education, philanthropy, research and patient care, as well as for their outstanding contributions to ICO and the optometric profession.

The Lifetime Service Award was presented to Dr. Darrell G. Schlange ‘64 of Chicago, for his accomplished career and commitment to the profession of optometry. For the past 45 years, Dr. Schlange has shared his passion for patient care by teaching and mentoring thousands of optometric students through his role as an ICO faculty member. As an Associate Professor, he currently teaches pediatrics, binocular vision, and ocular motility, in addition to serving as an attending clinician in the Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Service of the Illinois Eye Institute.

Other awards included Alumna and Alumnus of the Year that were given to Drs. Louise Sclafani ’89 of Chicago and Peter Kehoe ’84 of Galesburg, Ill., respectively. Dr. Steve Leon ’80 of Villa Grove, Ill., received the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Dr. Dennis Siemsen ’76 of Rochester, Minn., was awarded the Professional Achievement Award. Drs. Rebecca Zoltoski of Chicago and Joseph Pizzimenti ’89 of Boca Raton, Fla., received Excellence in Education Awards for faculty and non-faculty members.

ICO also recognized Haag-Streit USA with the Distinguished Friend Award for more than 100 years of distinguished service to the profession, as well as for their support of the education and training of future eye care professionals. The Humanitarian Award was presented to The Jenzabar Foundation for their support of humanitarian efforts in the U.S. and around the world. The Foundation recently made an impact on ICO’s Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity program, making it possible for more students to participate in restoring or improving vision to people in need in underdeveloped communities around the world.

In addition to the Alumni Awards ceremony, ICO also hosted on Saturday, September 12, the President’s White Coat Welcome Ceremony, a special event where first-year students are presented with a white clinic coat to signify the transition into professional education and to commemorate their commitment to the profession of optometry. ICO also offered professional development events and a continuing education program during the weekend’s festivities.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos of Alumni Awards ceremony and the President’s White Coat Welcome Ceremony available upon request.

About the Illinois College of Optometry
The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) provides excellence in optometric clinical education and is one of the world’s leading urban optometric institutions. Since its founding in 1872 by Dr. Henry Olin, ICO has offered aspiring optometrists the education and experience needed to meet the challenges of a changing health care environment and become leaders who will advocate for patients and the profession alike. Located in Chicago, ICO has a long and distinguished legacy as the oldest continually operating educational facility in the world dedicated solely to the teaching of optometrists. For more information about the Illinois College of Optometry, visit www.ico.edu

ICO Makes an Impact at Academy

Students, faculty, alumni and staff representing the Illinois College of Optometry made an impact at Academy 2009 Orlando, November 11-14. From poster presentations to leading workshops to participating in meetings of the Optometric Glaucoma Society and ASCO, ICO extended its mission of providing excellence in optometric clinical education to optometry educators and professionals, as well as students from around the world.

One of the most notable contributions to Academy 2009 was the collaboration of ICO students, residents and faculty that resulted in 28 poster presentations:

Clear Lens Phacomorphic Glaucoma Demonstrated With Ultrasonography And Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography,
Dominick Opitz, OD, FAAO, Mirijana Dordevic, OD, Eric Conley, OD, Illinois College of Optometry

Silicone Punctal Plugs As An Adjunctive Therapy To Travoprost 0.004% Ophthalmic Solution in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma And Ocular Hypertension,
Dominick Opitz, OD, FAAO, Sherman Gin Yung Tung, OD, FAAO, Jenny Joo-Won Park, Illinois College of Optometry, Unsun Sarah Jang, Illinois College of Optometry

A Rare Bilateral Presentation Of Posner-Schlossman Syndrome,
Ashley Firby, OD, Eric Conley, OD, Illinois College of Optometry

Long Anterior Lens Zonule Trait in African-American First-Degree Relatives,
Daniel K. Roberts, OD, MS, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

Lens Adherence Related To Contact Lens Overwear,
Shana Brafman, Jennifer S. Harthan, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

Improving Comfort For First Time Gp Wearers With The So2clear Lens,
Renee E. Reeder, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry, Jacqueline Haro, OD, Private Practitioner, Jennifer S. Harthan, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

Utilization Of Digital Imaging in The Assessment Of Students'' Performance On Direct Ophthalmoscopy,
Mindy C. Nguyen, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

Comparison Of Icare® Tonometer To The Tono-Pen® in Children,
Sandra S. Block, OD, MEd, FAAO, FCOVD, Erik Ranta, OD, Daniel Hermanson, OD, Colin
Connors, OD, Illinois College of Optometry

A Prospective Study On Diagnosing Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Using Heidelberg Retina Tomograph And Fundus Photographs,
Yi Pang, PhD, OD, FAAO, Kelly A. Frantz, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, Illinois College of Optometry

Correction Of Hyperopia in Children Study (CHICS) Pilot,
Marjean T. Kulp, OD, MS, FAAO, Ohio State University, G. Lynn Mitchell, BS, MAS, FAAO, Ohio State University, Ida Chung, OD, FCOVD, FAAO, State University of New York, Amelia G. Bartolone, OD, FAAO, State University of New York, Wendy Stone, OD, Illinois College of Optometry, Janis E. Winters, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

Eyelid Edema As Presenting Sign Of Nephrotic Syndrome,
Janice M. McMahon, OD, Illinois College of Optometry, Rebecca Nichols, OD

Unilateral Optic Nerve Hypoplasia in The Dominant Eye Of a Patient With Anisometropic/Strabismic Amblyopia,
Kelly A. Frantz, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, Illinois College of Optometry, Yi Pang, PhD, OD, FAAO

Cyclic Accommodative Esotropia in a Child With Associated Hippocampus Abnormality,
Megan S. Allen, OD, Illinois College of Optometry, Benjamin Ticho, MD, University of Illinois Chicago

Does The Use Of Colored Overlays Affect Reading Rate?,
Kent M. Daum, OD, MS, PhD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry, Kimberly Betton, BS,
Illinois College of Optometry, Daman Gupta, BS, Illinois College of Optometry

Color Differences Between The 2005 And 2006 Editions Of The Ishihara Color Vision Test,
David Y. Lee, OD, PhD, FAAO, Anne Eng, BSc, Lenna Go, BA, Illinois College of Optometry

Topical Cyclosporine For The Prevention Of Dry Eye Disease: Second Year Of Two-Year Study,
Kaori Asano, OD, Illinois College of Optometry, Sanjay Rao, MD, Private Practitioner

Managing Patients With Ocular Surface Disease And Hepatitis C,
Renee E. Reeder, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry, Jeff Horst, OD, Boston VA
Healthcare System, Jennifer S. Harthan, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry, Jacqueline
Haro, OD, Private Practitioner

Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis in Association With Sarcoid,
Jennifer S. Harthan, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry, Renee E. Reeder, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

Visualization Of Iriociliary Cyst Using Various Imaging Techniques,
Mindy C. Nguyen, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

Venous Stenosis Causing Loss Of Consciousness And Intracranial Hypertension,
Ellen S Shorter, OD, Illinois College of Optometry, Keith Tyler, OD, Illinois College of
Optometry

Atypical Maculopathy Associated With Syphilitic Chorioretinitis in The Presence Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus,
Stephanie A. Klemencic, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

Optical Coherence Tomography in a Case Of North Carolina Macular Dystrophy,
David Castells, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

Atypical Stargardt Disease,
Ashley Firby, OD, Illinois College of Optometry, Mary Flynn Roberts, OD, Illinois College of Optometry

Optical Coherence Tomography Of Type 1 Retinal Hamartomas in Tuberous Sclerosis,
Anne Rozwat, OD, Illinois College of Optometry

Inner Retinal Cystic Degeneration Following a Central Retinal Artery Occlusion,
Elizabeth Wyles, OD, FAAO, Leonard V. Messner, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry, Nicholas Lillie, Illinois College of Optometry

Retinopathy After Myocardial Infarction: Microembolic Retinopathy Revisited,
Bruce A. Teitelbaum, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

The Relationship Of Macular Pigment Density To Foveal Architecture,
Gary G. Gunderson, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry, Dominick Opitz, OD, FAAO, Jennifer Lin, BS, Kevin Trieu, BS, Katherine Tran, BS, Susan Kelly, PhD,

Multiple Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachments And Oral Bisphosphonate Use,
Michelle Crist, Illinois College of Optometry, Sarah Boulais Klein, OD, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

Illinois Eye Institute Foundation to Host Annual Gala
Illinois Lawmaker will be honored with Visionary Award

WHO & WHAT: The Illinois Eye Institute Foundation is hosting its annual “Eye” Ball Gala at the Four Seasons Chicago. Illinois State Representative Sara Feigenholtz will receive the Visionary Award for her dedication to improving access to health care, as well as her work for the Vision of Hope Health Alliance (VOHHA), an Illinois Eye Institute program that provides comprehensive eye care to uninsured low-income adults.

This fundraising event will begin with a silent auction and reception at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner, a live auction and entertainment by the City Lights Orchestra.

WHEN: Illinois Eye Institute Foundation Gala
7 p.m., Saturday, March 13

WHERE: Four Seasons Chicago
Grand Ballroom, 8th Floor
120 East Delaware Place
Chicago, Ill.

Funds raised at the gala will benefit the charitable services and programs of the Illinois Eye Institute. Through this fund-raising effort, the Illinois Eye Institute is able to provide medical, surgical and optical services to thousands of individuals who would otherwise not have access to eye care.

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About the Illinois Eye Institute

Illinois Eye Institute (IEI) is the clinical division of the Illinois College of Optometry. IEI is a nonprofit, multi-specialty eye center that provides comprehensive eye care to individuals of all ages from the Chicago area and beyond, regardless of their financial status. It is designed and staffed to meet general ocular health and visual needs and provide highly specialized optical services. The IEI has over 90,000 visits annually from a largely low-income, medically underserved patient population and provides charitable services and outreach programs to assist people in need, through its foundation. For more information about the Illinois Eye Institute, visit www.illinoiseyeinstitute.com.

Illinois College of Optometry Celebrates Winners of 2010 Alumni Association Awards
U.S. Rep. John Boozman honored for excellence during Alumni Weekend

August 31, 2010 (CHICAGO) — The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO, www.ico.edu) has announced the winners of the 2010 Alumni Awards. A congressman, eight optometrists and one attorney were honored for excellence and leadership in education, philanthropy, research and patient care, as well as for their outstanding contributions to ICO and the optometric profession. The award recipients were recognized during a banquet held at the InterContinental Chicago on August 27.

The Humanitarian Award was presented to U.S. Rep. John Boozman for his commitment to public service and efforts aimed at eliminating barriers to patient access. In 2009, he helped the U.S. House pass the Vision Care for Kids Act, which seeks to make healthy vision for children a top Federal priority by establishing grants and state-based healthy vision initiatives.

A Lifetime Service Award was presented to Donovan L. Crouch, OD, FAAO, ‘63 of Storm Lake, Iowa, for his accomplished career of more than 37 years and commitment to the profession of optometry. Dr. Crouch has held numerous leadership positions in national and state organizations, including the president of the Iowa Optometric Association. Dr. Crouch has also received the OD of the Year Award from the Iowa Optometric Association as well as from the Heart of America Contact Lens Society. He served on the Illinois College of Optometry’s Alumni Council for nine years, and currently serves on ICO’s Board of Trustees, a position he has held since 2002.

David Lee, OD, PhD, FAAO, of Chicago, also received a Lifetime Service Award. Since 1981, Dr. Lee has been a full time faculty member at the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Lee has presented research nationally and internationally on the topic of color vision and has collaborated with the renowned Pokorny Lab at the University of Chicago. An active member of the Chicago Chinese community, Dr. Lee is a member of the board for the Chinese American Service League (CASL), the largest Chinese social agency in the Midwest. Through his volunteer efforts, CASL has received the Healthy People Healthy Vision Community Award from the National Institutes of Health to improve eye and vision health in Chinatown.

Other awards included Alumna and Alumnus of the Year that were given to Drs. Susan Cotter ’83 and Robert L. Grazian ‘82, respectively. Dr. Dwight H. Akerman ’80 received the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Dr. Barry J. Jose ’77 was awarded the Professional Achievement Award. Michael V. Favia, JD, was presented with the Distinguished Friend Award. Drs. Kelly A. Frantz and John F. Amos ‘65 received Excellence in Education Awards for faculty and non-faculty members.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos of award recipients available upon request.

About the Illinois College of Optometry
The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) provides excellence in optometric clinical education and is one of the world’s leading urban optometric institutions. Since its founding in 1872 by Dr. Henry Olin, ICO has offered aspiring optometrists the education and experience needed to meet the challenges of a changing health care environment and become leaders who will advocate for patients and the profession alike. Located in Chicago, ICO has a long and distinguished legacy as the oldest continually operating educational facility in the world dedicated solely to the teaching of optometrists. For more information about the Illinois College of Optometry, visit www.ico.edu

Illinois College of Optometry Welcomes Barclay Bakkum, D.C., Ph.D., as Associate Dean

CHICAGO – 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.

Dr. Bakkum has been a full-time faculty member at ICO for more than five years, and was chair of the school’s curriculum committee. As associate dean, he will assist in the operations and development of ICO’s academic program. He also will work with ICO faculty on to recruit, evaluate and select academic faculty and staff; develop work assignments and encourage research; and foster positive communication between faculty, students and administration.

“Dr. Bakkum is well-versed in the educational issues facing our curriculum today, and he has valuable experience doing academic administrative work,” said Kent Daum, OD, dean and vice president for academic affairs. “We are excited to have him as part of the academic administrative team."

Dr. Bakkum’s clinical training is in chiropractic and his academic training is in anatomy and cell biology with an emphasis in neuroscience.  Before coming to ICO, he taught anatomy at National University of Health Sciences for 15 years. While there, he was chairman of the anatomy department and was heavily involved in the implementation and administration of a modified problem-based curriculum.

“I am humbled and excited that I was named to this position,” Dr. Bakkum said. “Being a non-optometrist, I hope to bring an open mind and a fresh perspective.  I will work hard at trying to find out the core truths about what is going well at ICO – and possibly enhance those things – and what is not going so well, and attempt to address those things. I pledge to work diligently to help ICO fulfill its mission of providing quality optometric education, and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that this new position holds for me.”

Dr. Bakkum is a native of Manchester, Iowa, and currently lives in Aurora.

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About the Illinois College of Optometry
The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) provides excellence in optometric clinical education and is one of the world’s leading urban optometric institutions. Since its founding in 1872 by Dr. Henry Olin, ICO has offered aspiring optometrists the education and experience needed to meet the challenges of a changing health care environment and become leaders who will advocate for patients and the profession alike. Located in Chicago, ICO has a long and distinguished legacy as the oldest continually operating educational facility in the world dedicated solely to the teaching of optometrists. For more information about the Illinois College of Optometry, visit www.ico.edu.