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Commit to Optometry's Future

Class of 2020s

The pandemic changed many things at ICO, but our commitment to patients and student always remained our focus!
Eye care professional with patient during eye exam
Students examining anatomical eye models

Class of 2010s

The era of Facebook and generations of iPhones. At ICO, we updated our infrastructure, including the lecture center, the Rosenbloom center, and the Lewenson center.

Class of 2000s

The EyePod was built and the very first ICO Matters was published! Outside of ICO, low-rise jeans and crop-tops and iPods were everywhere.
Happy fans celebrating at a baseball game
Man receiving eye exam from woman with optical equipment

Class of 1990s

ICO Olympics, BooBash, Practice Opportunities Symposium, and Eyeball were all pillars of life at ICO during the 1990s.

Class of 1980s

More and more women were choosing to pursue optometry, and the medical model of optometry was on the rise.
Illinois Eye Institute building with cars
Man with two young boys, one holds headphones to the other's ear.

Class of 1970s

ICO celebrated its centennial. Government funding allowed ICO to expand their facilities which included acquiring a VER computer!

Class of 1960s

The Eye Clinic opened for business! The profession of optometry was affirmed by the legal and academic recognition of Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. 
Historical photo of a modern building with classic cars
Professor teaching students in a vintage lab class

Class of 1950s

Illinois College of Optometry is born June 10, 1955, from the union of two different optometry schools: NICO and CCO.
Historic Illinois College of Optometry Eye Clinic
Sepia photo of brick building, street, and 'Dental Clinic' sign
Historic Chicago College of Optometry Public Eye Clinic

For a detailed view of ICO's full 150 year history! 

1940

and earlier

Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) logo, founded 1872
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