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Special Olympics Chicago (SOC) is an organization dedicated to empowering athletes with disabilities. They will be hosting a Sports Banquet, an event where the athletes celebrate their successes and get to show off their dance moves. The SOC is looking for volunteers to help with the registration process, assist the photographer, and spend time with the athletes. The Sports Banquet will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on Wednesday, December 16. There are two shifts that volunteers can sign up for: 8:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Volunteers should come dressed in “party clothes” and comfortable shoes. The Hyatt Regency Chicago is located in a busy part of the city, so parking is limited. Carpooling or taking a cab is encouraged. To sign up, please fill out this Google Doc with your name, which shift you want, and whether you are able to drive that day. If you have any questions, please contact Denise Alexopoulos or Alaina Bandstra. Please consider spreading some cheer this holiday season by volunteering a bit of your time for these amazing individuals.

A significant upgrade is coming to the Illinois Eye Institute. Shortly after Thanksgiving, construction will begin on the Bronzeville Pharmacy. This in-house facility will serve our community from inside our own clinic. The Bronzeville Pharmacy project is the result of extensive research. Explains Dr. Dominick Opitz, “Patients and the ICO community have asked for this for a long time.” The numbers support his assertion. When surveyed, 73% of patients said they would fill their eye prescriptions in-house. Additionally, 61% said they would use such a facility for “any prescription whatsoever-” not just eye-related medication. The Bronzeville Pharmacy could improve chronic patients’ quality of life. Says Dr. Opitz, “The longer the length of time between one office visit to the next, the greater the risk the patient won’t utilize their medications properly.” An in-house pharmacy will hopefully encourage patients to fill and use their prescriptions immediately. The pharmacy’s planned location is affectionately known as “The Vault.” It is past the main IEI reception desk, toward Cornea. At the point where the hall makes a “T” shape, the pharmacy will be in the corner. Check out the space in-person for a better picture of the site, and stay tuned for further updates on the Bronzeville Pharmacy. A public announcement will follow.

The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) announced its newest Fellows following its 2015 conference in New Orleans. To become an AAO Fellow, optometrists must complete a wide variety of presentations and publications over the course of 3 years while being involved in clinical practice. The following members of the ICO family were admitted to the AAO Fellowship: Dr. Kristin K. Anderson, OD, FAAO Dr. Maria T. Cucuras, OD, FAAO Dr. Juliana Grove, OD, FAAO Dr. Carrie Ho, OD, FAAO Dr. Hannah Hays, OD, FAAO Dr. Larry Allen Hookway, OD, MS, FAAO Dr. Patrick Lee, OD, FAAO Dr. Bhawanjot K. Minhas, OD, FAAO Dr. Erin Elizabeth Mosellen, OD, FAAO Dr. Trisha Patel, OD, FAAO Dr. Kendra C. Pollard, OD, FAAO Dr. Joel David Quist, OD, FAAO Dr. Joshua Lee Robinson, OD, FAAO Dr. Carly D. Rose, OD, FAAO Dr. Hillary Schweihs, OD, FAAO Dr. David M. Simpson, OD, FAAO Dr. Jamie M. St. Martin, OD, FAAO Dr. Robert J. Steinmetz, OD, FAAO Dr. Kelli Theisen, OD, FAAO Dr. Felicia J. Timmermann, OD, FAAO We congratulate these esteemed individuals on this great achievement.

Dr. Richard S. Kattouf, Dr. Michael Stiniziano, and Dr. Neil R. Hodur were recently honored with awards acknowledging their leadership on the ICO Board of Trustees. Each of the recipients have completed their service to the Board. We thank them for their support and wish them the best with their future endeavors.

Congratulations to the winners of the Homecoming 2015 Online Student Survey Raffle! $100 Matthews Bookstore Gift Card Denise Alexopoulos, ’17 Jessica Kulick, ’16 Brian Trieu, ’17 $100 Star Ophthalmic Instruments Gift Certificate Vivian Li, ‘ 19 Victoria Sin, ’18 Students can pick up their prizes at the Alumni Office, on the 2nd floor in the Development Suite across from the Student Affairs Suite.

Students, staff, and alumni represented ICO this month at the 2015 National Optometric Association Conference. Preston Smith, OD ’15, Rina Sheth, ’17, Chuatong Thao, ’17, Nicole Akpunku, ’18, and Amy Keopraseuth, ’18, all traveled to South Carolina for the event. ICO alumni enthusiastically joined this group for a weekend of learning and accolades. At the conference, ICO’s NOSA Chapter tied for Chapter of the Year. This is an exceptional honor, as the award is voted on by NOSA students across all optometry schools. This achievement reaffirms ICO’s strong reputation and popularity nationwide. Our students also succeeded at the individual level. Rina Sheth, former ICO NOSA president and current National NOSA secretary, came away with $3500 in scholarships and awards. Amy Keding, ’16, received the Vision Council Award of $1000 for the second consecutive year. Nicole Akpunku was elected as the National NOSA Student Resource Liaison for the 2016-2017 year. Preston Smith won 2nd place in the Dr. Will Kelley Memorial Scholarship Run. ICO is proud to be a part of NOA, which focuses on optometric services in urban and minority communities. We strive to achieve NOA’s aspirations for greater cultural diversity. Thank you to all faculty, staff, students, and alumni who contributed to this year’s conference.

ICO President Arol Augsburger, OD, was honored as Dean Emeritus of the University of Alabama School of Optometry. Though Dr. Augsburger has held this title for several months, a formal exchange took place in Seattle during AOA’s 2015 Optometry’s Meeting. Dean Kelly Nichols presented him with a framed resolution from the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. ICO is very proud of its esteemed President. Be sure to congratulate Dr. Augsburger on his new Twitter account, @arolaugsburger!

Three awards were presented to ICO leaders at the 2015 Optometry’s Meeting: Mark Colip, OD ’92, received the Dr. Jack Bennett Innovation in Optometric Education Award. This honor recognizes “outstanding leadership or one outstanding innovation in optometric education that significantly impacts ASCO as an organization.” Said Dr. Colip, “I am humbled and deeply appreciative to receive this recognition by the ASCO Board of Directors. Dr. Jack Bennett was a great man and creative leader I had the privilege of knowing. His dedication inspired the early development of my career, and I can’t think of a greater honor than to receive an award named for his legacy.” Dr. Colip is a key figure at ICO with over 20 years of service. This award praises his leadership in student engagement, alumni development, strategic communications, and giving. He participates across multiple AOA/ASCO project teams, and continues to share his enthusiasm and passion for the profession with young people from coast to coast. Dr. Rosenbloom deeply embodied these qualities. He served ASCO for years, first on the Board of Directors, then as President. Dr. Rosenbloom offered his insight and energy to several committees, and is renowned for hundreds of lectures on the international stage. His legacy lives on in the Alfred and Sarah Rosenbloom Center for Vision and Aging. Read more about Dr. Rosenbloom’s many accomplishments HERE. Dr. Sicks has been an Assistant Professor at ICO since 2013. She mentors third and fourth year students in primary care, contact lenses, corneal disorders, and laser therapy. Her presence extends to the digital world, where Dr. Sicks offers social media talent to the CLCS. Her lectures and presentations continue to impress on the national stage. We are thrilled for all of the positive news coming from the West coast. Best wishes and safe travels to our colleagues in Seattle.

Facilities will be shutting down the IEI’s main power source for maintenance purposes on Sunday, Feb. 15. The RC and Brady Hall will not be affected. All power should be back on by 1 p.m.

If you’re searching for something to give someone special for Valentine’s Day, look no further. The cafeteria is offering heart-shaped Otis Spunkmeyer cookies for $5 apiece. Five varieties are available: chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, M&Ms, peanut butter and oatmeal raisin. To order, fill out this form and submit to Christine Gallagher by Thursday, Feb. 12.

The Private Practice Club, along with Optometric Insights, is sponsoring an event on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. in room 1201. Presented by Dr. Mile Brujic, “What You Need to Know Now to Achieve Professional Success” is an interactive discussion that highlights the period leading up to graduation. Topics to be covered during this informative presentation include: * Where do I practice? * What type of practice is right for me? * How do I find the right practice? * How do I effectively communicate with hiring practitioners? * How do I differentiate myself? * Should I own or be employed? * Where do I get resources? * What type of compensation can I expect? * What’s the importance of lawyers and accountants? This event is free for Private Practice Club members and $5 for non-members. Food will be provided. Clinic attire is required. Sign up for the event here by Monday, Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. Please notify Private Practice Club President-Elect Casey Wilgenbusch at least 48 hours before the event if you are unable to attend.

The following students earned a spot on the dean’s list for the fall quarter of the 2014-15 school year by achieving a quarterly GPA of 3.5 or better and earning no grade below a B or H (honors) in all patient care courses: First Year Bedi, Manveen Brachmanski, Mark Brady, Brittney Brar, Ekjot Chan, Jessica Chee, Megan Dunphy, Erin Ellerkamp, Aleice Fabisch, Megan Fraser, Louchlyn Ghotra, Jasmine Goldberg, Jill Gorz, Michael Groth, Benjamin Harris, Taylor Haugen, Trey Heisler, Melissa Henriksen, Mark Hohs, Kathryn Jansen, Samantha Kennedy, Jenna Kiani, Binesh Lau, Jenny Lazzarin, Bryan Li, Lu Li, Stephanie Literski, Alexandra Littel, Matthew Mak, Suet Mei Miller, Shanna Nadarajah, Vakishan Nagendran, Kiruthika Naidu, Jason Nisar, Sara Oetomo, Elaine Pacheco, Sarah Patel, Manali Patel, Neil Phan, David Poznic, Benjamin Pudjowargono, Andrew Pym, Christina Raies, Daniel Roma, Maria Sahota, Sheran Sandhu, Sandeep Saras, Hussam Sathchakham, Jessica Sawyer, Talitha Sherdil, Raihana Sherman, Zachary Smith, Mitchell Takahashi, Kirie Trinh, Cindy Uhlenhopp, Alex Van Houten, Kevin Vang, Ka Zoua Vasilova, Liliya Vezinaw, Chloe Walburg, Zachary Weidner, Megan Williamson, Martin Wong, Alicia Wong, Michael Wright, Justin Yoon, Lauren Zabaneh, Aida Zeeben, Brandon Second Year Ahrar, Shari Alexopoulos, Denise Arneson, Gretchen Bandstra, Alaina Bartek, Ann Berens, Ashley Blavat, Jamie Bouras, George Brandt, Alexandra Brenart, Robert Burton, Margaret Busaileh, Hanan Chahine, Ryan Chan, Trina Corbin, Stephanie Cowling, Jessica Daraban, Daniel Dennis, Erica Do, Leha El-Khazendar, Sarah Enns, Kelly Esposito, Thomas Fervaha, Manraj Frantz, Bryan Fulton, Tyler Giraldo, Tatiana Goretsky, Rachel Gorski, Emily Haider, Amina Harris, Marni Hasler, Rachel Heaslip, Allison Heer, Sonia Hemphill, Ashley Hok, Nicole Hutchins, Emily Ibrahim, Nagwa Jacobs, Matthew Jhamb, Sameera Kaur, Harjot Khatoon, Sabah Kim, Bosung Klein, Steven Klover, Kori Konwinski, Nicholas Kothari, Payal Kroona, Katie Lafreniere, Julie Lau, Tiffany Low, Michelle Lydon, Jennifer Ma, Gabrielle Meyer, Megan Meyer, Robert Moghadam, Christina Nguyen, Melissa Pfeiffer, Kevin Phung, Y Nhu Pietruszka, Matthew Piper, Alexandra Reeves, Cassie Reynolds, Renae Rosado, Ariel Rosenthal, Bethany Sarazen, Sean Sasitharan, Mathuraa Schaeffer, David Seibert, Spencer Shabo, Eva Simon, Nicole Singh, Bobby Soder, Katelyn Tai, Aaron Thurmes, Amanda Vehab, Senija Velasco, Monique Wang, Helen Waters, Anna Wilgenbusch, Casey Williams, Jenna Wohlers, Megan Woodward, Melissa Yeung, Brian Yoo, Hye Seon Zimmerman, Ashley Third Year Ahmed, Umema Anderson, Elisabeth Boettcher, Brittany Caudill, Eryn Chan, Adrienne Chawla, Harsh Crampton, Nicole Cullen, Stephanie Dean, Emily Dong, Jonathan Encarnacao, Cayley Fisher, Claire Gagnon, Erica Haghani, Sara Hake, Amanda Hammang, Laurel Jaros, Joelle Jawdi, Ammar Kordon, Victoria Kulick, Jessica Kusek, William LaLiberte, Stephanie McHugh, Caitlyn McLaughlin, Mallory Minnix, Julie Paek, Helen Panchal, Naiya Patel, Jaymeni Petkov, Zory Pietrzakowski, Ryan Powell, Kimberly Pukhovich, Irina Quan, Steven Roghair, Christopher Rosenberg, Jamie Solomon, Stratton Steinberg, Olivia Thomas, Jacie Tu, Tiffany Varney, Kelly Vuong, Joanna Wilczek, Margaret Winans, Alicia Wozny, Natalie Fourth Year Allenstein, Curran Andrews, Kristie Badyal, Kevin Bartolini, Alyssa Berger, Ryan Bohn, Briana Bromann, Gretchen Brown, Janelle Chaudry, Mariam Cheema, Mandeep Cordell, Taia Dave, Forum Delano, Richard Drossman, Amy Green, Katherine Hammond, Paul He, Pearl Hemann, Susan Holland, Zachary Holmberg, Kathrine Howell, Aundrea Hui, Ian Karim, Fatima Katsikos, Ashley Kazmer, Krista Kiekhafer, Logan Koutnik, Edward Kruthoff, Christopher Lam, Verissa Larson, Christian Le, Vy Lemburg, Emily Lewis, Jessica Luu, Amy Ma, Benxiao Masood, Sara Menos, Jonathan Minhas, Harpreet Moen, Garrett Morales, Allison Omidghaemi, Sepideh Ortiz, Isaac Patel, Ridhi Patel, Shreya Rehal, Manpreet Robbins, Agnieszka Rogers, Jenna Ryba, Michelle Samuels, Michael Satchithanantham, Nir Sawicki, Lea Shahi, Avjit Shukla, Ravi Siblani, Leila Smith, Preston Sorenson, Emily Spalding, Melissa Sullivan, Meghan Swenson, Jami Tai, Jennifer Tang, Joanne Tholen, Ashley Toader, Maria Tobyne, Anne Trivedi, Sonal Tylka, Barbara Uppal, Jasandeep Vongluekiat, Irene Walsh, Elizabeth Walsh, Meghan Weinfurter, Cassandra Williams, Jacqueline Wong, Lisa Wu, Patrick Zielinski, Patricia