The Illinois College of Optometry

Overview
The Illinois College of Optometry is one of the world’s leading urban optometric institutions. Located in Chicago, ICO resides in the educational and healthcare corridor along with the University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Mercy Medical Centers.

Excellence in Optometric Clinical Education
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.

World Class Experience
Committed to excellence in education, patient care and scholarly activity, the Illinois College of Optometry offers distinguished faculty, comprehensive curriculum, extensive clinical experience and premier facilities.

Rich Tradition
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.

Degrees Offered
Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) and Bachelor of Science in Visual Science (BSVS), also in conjunction with the University of Chicago: Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Accreditation
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 of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 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.

Illinois Eye Institute
The Illinois Eye Institute (IEI) is a multi-specialty eye center primarily serving patients from the Chicago metropolitan region. With more than 90,000 patient visits each year, the IEI is one of the largest providers of vision and eye care services in the United States. (Note: The IEI is the top Medicaid provider in the state of Illinois for eye care.)

The IEI is also the onsite clinical training facility of the Illinois College of Optometry and is affiliated with the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Chicago and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.