ICO’s student blog offers real perspectives from all four years of optometry school. Our talented writers tackle everything from Chicago’s CTA and coffee shops to honest reflections on patient care. These voices provide a true view of ICO that can’t be found anywhere else. Read through some of the most recent posts below, and picture yourself at ICO!
To view the full blog, visit http://blog.ico.edu
“A little boy, 8 years old, came to us because he had double-vision, blur up close, trouble with concentration, reading skills, and really bad headaches, too. His family lived about an hour and a half away. He had been diagnosed with a need for vision therapy, but they didn’t have any therapy out by them that they could afford. They drove here every Saturday for about 4 months- really dedicated. After treatment was done, there was a massive decrease in the frequency of his headaches. He had no more double vision and could read comfortably. His self-esteem improved dramatically. He even learned to ride a bike.
I’m looking forward to having more efficient patient care thanks to the Dr. Robert and Lena Lewenson Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Center. I look around, and am so ready for this facelift. We do so much good for so many patients that can’t get care elsewhere. The more we can uphold that, the more we can do for our patients.”
– Valerie Kattouf, Chief of Pediatrics/Binocular Vision Service
“A little boy, 8 years old, came to us because he had double-vision, blur up close, trouble with concentration, reading skills, and really bad headaches, too. His family lived about an hour and a half away. He had been diagnosed with a need for vision therapy, but they didn’t have any therapy out by them that they could afford. They drove here every Saturday for about 4 months- really dedicated. After treatment was done, there was a massive decrease in the frequency of his headaches. He had no more double vision and could read comfortably. His self-esteem improved dramatically. He even learned to ride a bike.
I’m looking forward to having more efficient patient care thanks to the Dr. Robert and Lena Lewenson Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Center. I look around, and am so ready for this facelift. We do so much good for so many patients that can’t get care elsewhere. The more we can uphold that, the more we can do for our patients.”
– Valerie Kattouf, Chief of Pediatrics/Binocular Vision Service
“My sons, Leo and Drake, are always asking to join something- basketball, soccer… they asked for martial arts for six months! Sports are great exercise for the body, and I want my kids to be competitive playing on teams with their friends. Given the option between the iPad and sports for my children, I always choose sports.
For any contact sport, the cost of sports goggles is not too high compared to the risk for injury. Regular frames can break. Many parents do not know how important sports vision is. I don’t think anything was mentioned on Leo’s soccer team about sports goggles. When patients come to the IEI, we can educate them. The new Dr. Robert and Lena Lewenson Pediatric and Binocular Vision Center will benefit therapy, patient care, and student education.
Every Giving Tuesday, we donate to the College, and this year, I will do it for the children! They are our future. Protect our future.”
– Dr. Yi Pang, Associate Dean for Research
“Reading is daily routine for my kids. My wife and I read to our daughters, Reese and Tessa, every night, and they read for themselves, too. They love everything from chapter books to graphic novels. Tessa’s reading level, in particular, has increased significantly. Both girls are both A-students; Tessa’s teacher even says she can get up in front of the class and say how she figured out a math problem. We regularly take them to the pediatrician, and their doctors always pay close attention to vision.
Studies done by the Illinois Eye Institute and other optometric institutions say that eye exams improve children’s reading ability and performance in school. I see that correlation in my own children. I am donating to the Dr. Robert and Lena Lewenson Pediatric and Binocular Vision Center because I’d like all children to see the same success in school that my daughters have seen.”
– Brian Holloway, Creative Services Specialist/Senior Graphic Designer
“I hadn’t thought about ‘pediatrics’ for over 20 years since my girls were little. However, just recently, our 6-month-old grandson visited Dr. Valarie Kattouf for his infant eye exam. It was amazing to watch Dr. Valarie handle the very uncooperative baby. She examined and dilated him, all while explaining to a third year student, and to my daughter, and to the hovering grandmother (me) what she was doing and her findings. We were four adults, one baby, and lots of equipment all in a tiny space, and Dr. Kattouf never missed a beat.
With my renewed interest in pediatrics because of my new title as Grammy, I am pledging my donation to the ICO’s new Dr. Robert and Lena Lewenson Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Center. I am so excited to see the renovated space open up for our young patients, and to give some room for our faculty and students to perform their work.”
– Laura Rounce, Vice President of Administration