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Reflective Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago

In Chicago


There are many reasons to love Chicago — its food, its neighborhoods, but mostly we love it here because of the people you’ll meet. Few optometry schools in the nation will provide you with such a diverse array of patients. We are on the South Side for one fundamental reason: our commitment to the Bronzeville community and our surrounding neighborhoods.
 
Man in 'EYE DOC' hoodie and blonde woman smiling, pointing

Discover a day in the life.

Chicago is a big city, and no two students will experience it in quite the same way. All the same, in four years you will make it your own. Here are just a few views of what a day in the life at ICO might look like. 
A Day in the Life
Row of antique books on a shelf

'Twas the night before exams

Acing the boards and lessons learned from softball.
Bri Buckley, OD '20
People gathered at an outdoor event with tables and string lights

Six lessons learned during my first five weeks

How to take breaks and how to study.
Rachel Shackelford, OD '23
Medical professional with two patients in an exam room

Developing Clinical Skills: 1 or 2

Lessons learned from a beginner refractionist.
Alek Karthikeyan, OD '23
Optometrist smiling by phoropter

A glimpse into externship selections

Choosing the right externships for you.
Kashifa Ansari, OD '23
Want to see some more?
Group of young people with luggage arriving in Chicago

Student Housing

Students either choose to live in the RC or to live in their own rented apartment. Either way, most students choose to stay near ICO. 
Student Housing

We're excited to have you join us!

Smiling teams in blue, red, green shirts at an outdoor event.
Group with eclipse glasses outside Illinois College of Optometry
Two women petting a puppy on grass

It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to become an optometrist. It also takes a strong support network. We want to make sure that you do well not only in school, but also that you live well throughout your four years here. 
 
Diverse group at holiday party with rainbow and trans flags

Find your group.

Volunteer, network, travel, or serve the local community. There are so many opportunities to get involved at ICO.
Clubs and Organizations
Men playing basketball in a gym

Recreation & Fitness

From lifting in the gym to one-on-one trainings with fit coaches, there are many opportunities to take care yourself physically. 
Recreation and Fitness
Field of white flowers with city skyline at twilight

Health & Safety

You can only succeed in optometry school if you also take care of your health and remain safe. We work hard to build a safe and healthy environment so that you feel supported throughout your time at ICO. 
Health and Safety
Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) logo, founded 1872
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