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The Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the world’s leading optometric schools. Thanks to our curriculum, faculty, and clinical resources, ICO graduates enter the real world best prepared to practice. Illinois College of Optometry Make a real difference in optometry and the world. The ICO Difference We are one of the world's leading optometric institutions for good reason. Learn in the heart of Chicago. In Chicago Our location provides you with a diverse array of patients - ultimately making you a better doctor. Work with real patients in the clinic from year 1. We get you into clinic early because we believe you learn best when classes are paired with real-world clinical experiences. In the Clinic Join over 8,000 alumni More connections means better opportunities for your career. In the World Our program is for optometrists, by optometrists. Every course, every lab is built to prepare you to be the best doctor of optometry possible. In the Classroom HEAR FROM FACULTY & STUDENTS What is it really like to. . . support real people in a real clinic? be part of the ICO family? live and study in Chicago? be a Doctor of Optometry? We are a perfect collaboration between a community that wants to give and a community that is in need of service. - Leonard Messner, OD MAKE A DIFFERENCE Real Patient Story from Illinois Eye Institute REAL PATIENTS IN A REAL CLINIC Over 85,000 patient visits in our clinic, Illinois Eye Institute, every year. Why ICO? Make a real difference in optometry and the world. Watch the Film Let's get you started Learn how to apply Schedule a visit Shadow an Optometrist Vision of Hope Please consider supporting! Give Today COMMITTED TO YOUR VISION Learn More Make a Gift Continuing Education Our annual symposium takes place this month. We will focus on Glaucoma. From diagnosing to treatment, we have a packed schedule! Learn More Class of 2026 Commencement Relive ICO's 183rd Commencement. Congratulations, doctors! Watch Here S.V.O.S.H. Our annual symposium takes place this month. We will focus on Glaucoma. From diagnosing to treatment, we have a packed schedule! Give Today White Coat Ceremony Watch the Class of 2028 White Coat Ceremony at 2:00 pm, August 23, 2025 Watch Live Homecoming 2025 The future is bright at ICO! Join us September 5 - 7 for Homecoming 2025! More details and registration link can be found by clicking the button below. Learn More Recent News Illinois College of Optometry Names Tracy Matchinski, OD, FAAO, The Rosenbloom Family Professor in Low Vision Rehabilitation View All News Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Michael Chaglasian View All News My Interview Day Experience View All News View All News Catch the very latest on Instagram. Follow ICO on Instagram

ICO gives its students a rich clinical education rooted in biomedical science. Courses include human anatomy, immunology, pharmacology, and more, centered around optometry and the eye. Home • In the Classroom • NBEO Scores NBEO Scores Check the numbers. Courses & Curriculum Student Resources NBEO Scores Faculty Research at ICO Library As students progress through the ICO curriculum, and provided they remain in good academic standing, they will be eligible to take the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) series of examinations. The National Board Examinations are required for licensure by every state in the United States. ICO students historically exceed the national pass rate on all parts of the NBEO exam. Program Completion Licensing Exam Rate The Program Completion Licensing Exam Rate is the proportion of students completing all of a program’s curricular requirements within a calendar year who, by the end of that calendar year, are licensed, or have passed all parts of an examination series that would permit licensure, in the United States or Canada. NBEO Part I Applied Basic Science NBEO Part II Patient Assessment and Management NBEO Part III Patient Encounters and Performance Skills NBEO Ultimate Pass Rates Published results include the performance of all first-time takers of each NBEO examination Part within the specified timeframe regardless of year of enrollment, year of graduation, or graduation status; first-time taker pass rates published on the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) website ( link ) are limited to candidates that have graduated. Illinois College of Optometry does not require passage of any part of NBEO for graduation, and therefore none of our data has been excluded. Published results include the performance of all first-time takers of each NBEO examination Part within the specified timeframe regardless of year of enrollment, year of graduation, or graduation status. For graduation rates and further information on student success, visit here.

Home • In Chicago • Dr. Newton K. Wesley Research Center Dr. Newton K. Wesley Research Center Participate in pioneering research. Wesley Research Center The EyePod Residential Complex Library Gym Built in collaboration with the Dr. Newton K. Wesley Foundation, this center is a dedicated research space on campus. The center will house specialty research rooms and a modular center that changes based on research needs. This space triples the size of our current research suite. Learn what research is like at ICO. Patients participating in clinical research trials will be directed to the Dr. Newton K. Wesley Research Center for all of their exams. Our amazing patient population is the biggest reason we can continue our groundbreaking research. As one of the largest optometric institutions in America, you will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of specific areas of interest no matter what they may be. Research at ICO now encompasses every stage of your optometric journey whether you’re a student, a resident or faculty, you’ll see there is a topic that may interest you! The Dr. Newton K. Wesley Research Center has been built to accommodate research’s growing needs. Our research will continue to expand, and we look forward to having a space that expands with us.

Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) proudly announces that Tracy Matchinski, OD, FAAO has been named the inaugural recipient of The Rosenbloom Family Endowed Professorship in Low Vision Rehabilitation . This is the first named professorship in ICO’s history.  This professorship – made possible through the generosity of the Rosenbloom Family, strengthens ICO’s long-standing commitment to advancing low-vision rehabilitation through research, education, clinical innovation, and community-based care, whether locally, regionally and/or internationally . Its impact is especially timely, as an estimated 51.9 million adults in the United States report difficulty seeing even with corrective lenses (American Foundation for the Blind, 2025) , and more than 2.2 billion people worldwide live with some form of visual impairment (World Health Organization, 2019). Dr. Matchinski, a 1995 graduate of ICO , completed a Vision Rehabilitation residency at the Feinbloom Low Vision Center of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Since completing her residency in 1996, she has dedicated her career to low vision rehabilitation. As a tenured faculty member at ICO, Dr. Matchinski teaches the vision rehabilitation course and lab, and provides clinical care at the Rosenbloom Center, located at ICO’s Illinois Eye Institute (IEI). Additionally, she practices at The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, is a Low Vision Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry and has served as chair of the Low Vision Section and Diplomate program of the American Academy of Optometry. She has published and lectured nationally and internationally on Low Vision Rehabilitation. Her commitment extends deeply through her leadership in Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) . She is past president of VOSH/International and VOSH Illinois. As the faculty representative for Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH). Dr. Matchinski mentors ICO students as they participate in local and international volunteer clinics.  Dr. Matchinski was appointed by Dean Stephanie Messner, OD, with the approval of ICO President Mark Colip, OD. “The ICO community is extraordinarily proud of Dr. Matchinski’s commitment to advancing care for individuals with low vision,” said President Colip. “Her work at the Illinois Eye Institute—and around the world through SVOSH and VOSH— continues to inspire the next generation of students to live the ICO mission so that all patients receive optimal care.”  About the Rosenbloom Family  Alfred A. Rosenbloom, OD, a pioneer in low-vision rehabilitation, is a 1954 graduate of ICO and served as its president from 1972 to 1982. To honor his and his wife Sarah’s lasting impact, their children—Alfred Rosenbloom III and Susan Tobert—established the Rosenbloom Family Endowed Professorship in Low Vision Rehabilitation . This professorship builds on the legacy, which includes the Dr. Alfred and Sarah Rosenbloom Center on Vision and Aging at ICO’s Illinois Eye Institute, established in 2015, to advance specialized care for individuals with low vision and age-related vision needs.  About the Illinois College of Optometry  Founded in 1872, the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) is the nation’s oldest continuously operating optometric educational institution. With more than 8,000 alumni, ICO is dedicated to excellence in education, research, patient care, and service to the community. Located in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood on the city’s South Side, ICO provides rigorous clinical training and serves over 85,000 patients annually through its teaching clinic, Illinois Eye Institute. For more information about Illinois College of Optometry, visit www.ico.edu .

For over three decades, Michael Chaglasian, OD, FAAO has been a cornerstone of the ICO community. Now serving as Chief of Innovative Technology and Data Science, he’s leading the institution into a new era of digital discovery. From pioneering research in glaucoma to exploring the power of artificial intelligence in clinical care, Dr. Chaglasian bridges traditional optometric practice with the technologies shaping its future. A founding figure in advancing glaucoma education nationwide, his leadership continues to inspire both faculty and students. In this Faculty Spotlight, we take a closer look at Dr. Chaglasian’s journey: from his early days as a SUNY–trained clinician, to his current work with AI–powered diagnostic tools that could transform the future of optometry. You’ve recently taken on the role of Chief of Innovative Technology and Data Science at ICO. How does this position build upon your past work in glaucoma research ? My new role reflects both the continuity and the evolution of my career at ICO. I’ve been here for about 30 years, primarily focused on glaucoma care, research, and education. Now, as Chief of Innovative Technology and Data Science, I’m exploring how artificial intelligence and digital tools can elevate clinical decision–making and patient outcomes, particularly within glaucoma management. ​ AI in health care can feel intimidating to some, but I see it as an opportunity. The goal isn’t to replace clinicians, it’s to empower them. At ICO, we’re in the early stages of building and validating AI algorithms that can assist doctors in interpreting patient data more effectively. For example, glaucoma diagnosis relies on the synthesis of multiple datasets, from visual fields to OCT scans to intraocular pressure readings, and AI has the potential to analyze those variables collectively, identifying subtle trends that even trained eyes might miss. ​ Of course, glaucoma remains my primary focus. It’s a disease that demands early detection, and optometry is uniquely positioned to make that possible. By integrating AI into routine eye care, we can move from reactive to proactive management by detecting subtle nerve fiber changes or pressure trends before vision loss occurs. That’s the promise that drives me today: equipping the next generation of optometrists with tools that not only enhance their clinical confidence but also expand what’s possible for patient care.   Beyond your research, you’ve been instrumental in advancing glaucoma education both on and off campus. What continues to motivate your involvement in that mission ? Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight,” and that phrase captures the urgency of why education is so critical. When I started at ICO, I quickly realized that there wasn’t a dedicated forum within optometry focused exclusively on this disease. Along with several colleagues, I helped establish the Optometric Glaucoma Society (OGS) more than 20 years ago. Today, as its Executive Director, I’m proud to see it flourish into an organization that brings together over 150 clinicians, educators, and researchers. ​ Our mission is simple but profound: to advance the teaching, research, and clinical management of glaucoma within optometry. Every year, we hold a national meeting, just before the American Academy of Optometry’s annual conference, where leaders share the latest research and innovations. It’s an invaluable opportunity for doctors to stay at the forefront of evolving treatments, from new medications to laser procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), which is increasingly considered a first–line therapy. ​ The field itself is moving rapidly. For decades, glaucoma care revolved around topical medications. Now, we’re seeing a shift toward laser–based and minimally invasive surgical options that offer better compliance and fewer side effects. But all of these advances hinge on one thing: early and accurate diagnosis. That’s where optometrists come in. As primary eye care providers, they are on the front line of detection, and it’s essential they have both the knowledge and the confidence to make those calls. ​ At ICO, I see that same spirit of advancement reflected in our students and faculty. We’ve significantly expanded opportunities for student research, giving future clinicians hands–on experience in data analysis, experimental design, and evidence–based care; I believe this kind of training is what transforms a student into a lifelong learner. My advice to graduates is always the same: keep learning, attend conferences, and stay connected to professional organizations. The field is evolving too quickly to stand still. ​ After three and a half decades here, ICO feels like home. I didn’t graduate from this institution, but its mission and its people have shaped my career. This collaborative environment we’ve built, where research, teaching, and patient care intersect, is something truly special. I’ve stayed all these years because I love this work, I love this community, and I believe the best innovations in optometry are still ahead of us.

Wow. I really cannot believe it. I really cannot believe it, and I'm not trying to sound hyperbolic. I still can't believe that after all these years I've finally graduated from ICO and have become a Doctor of Optometry. Granted, it's only been a couple weeks, but even still it doesn't feel real. I've been in school for basically my whole life, and now it's finally over. It almost seems like I'm just home for another summer break and will be back to school in the fall, but for the first time in my life that won't be the case. Trying to look back on this whole journey, from undergrad up to my still very recent ICO commencement, where do I even start? Just to think of how much I've experienced in that time frame: how many people I've met, how many places I've been, how many obstacles I've had to face, and how much I've grown and changed. It feels like I've lived several lifetimes, and at long last I have the time and space to just sit with it undisturbed. There's no way I'd be able to summarize it all in a short blog post, but it just feels right to try to bring some kind of closure to this whole adventure. Besides, if you've been following along up to this point, you already know some of the challenges I've had to face throughout my educational career, so no point in retreading old ground. I will say, though, that my path to and through ICO was not the most straightforward. On the absolute contrary, it was filled with many twists and turns, academically, emotionally, and personally. It just felt like one curve-ball after another. Not to mention we're still living through a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic, so there's that ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. But with all that said, where does that leave me now? I'll be honest, in the short time I've been home I haven't given it much thought. However, I do know that this journey was about so much more than just me graduating, which in and of itself is still a big accomplishment. Rather, it was about becoming the person I always dreamed of being. Not just a doctor, but someone who's relentless in pursuing their goals, someone who cares about other people and empathizes with their struggles, someone who's not afraid to take the path of most resistance, and someone who stays authentic to who they are even in the face of extreme pressure. I will surely continue to be tested in these ways for the rest of my life, but having finally made it to this point, I no longer fear those challenges. No, I embrace them because they are what made me into who I am today. Despite how unrelentingly arduous the path seemed at times, it was worth it a thousand times over. I remember when I first came to Chicago and I went up to the 95th floor of the Hancock Tower during Orientation Week. It was a moment I will never forget for as long as I live. Looking out onto the night's sky from the tallest building I had ever been in, I was in absolute awe seeing how far the city went on for. Little did I know what was in store for me. My world was about to get so much bigger both literally and figuratively. It was so terrifying yet so exciting knowing the task I was about to undertake, and now that task has finally been completed.   Chicago and ICO will forever be a part of me. I couldn't have asked for a better city to live and study in, and I couldn't have asked for better people to have shared that city with. From biking down the lakefront, seeing concerts at many of Chicago's venues, eating so much great food, grinding through school, and being able to share that all with the people I love while growing alongside them, I am forever grateful. For anyone who's been with me for the ride, I hope you've enjoyed reading my blogs over the last 4.5 years because I definitely enjoyed writing them. And for all those who will continue to follow me going forward, I hope I'll continue to make you proud. Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart, and farewell. Much love, Dr. Nathaniel Briggs, OD