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.

The Chicago Blackhawks aren’t the only team that brought a Cup home to Chicago! Congratulations to the ICO Private Practice Club, honored this month with the 2015 Preston Cup. The Student Optometric Leadership Network gives this award to a private practice or practice management organization that goes “above and beyond” in a given year. Members voted after seeing a video presentation on key Private Practice Club events at ICO. The prize was presented in Sacramento, California at the 2015 SOLutioN Conference. ICO is deeply proud. Thank you to all students in the Private Practice Club, including former President Sara Davies, ’16, and current President Casey Wilgenbusch, ’17, for such hard work and passion.

The following students earned a spot on the Dean’s List for the Spring quarter of the 2015-16 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: Second Year Bedi, Manveen Bendicion, Eric Brachmanski, Mark Brady, Brittney Chan, Jessica Dunphy, Erin Ellerkamp, Aleice Gorz, Michael Groth, Benjamin Harris, Taylor Haugen, Trey Heisler, Melissa Henriksen, Mark Hiatt, Bradley Hohs, Kathryn Hopkins, Greigham Jansen, Samantha Javed, Faiza Karovic, Tatjana Kennedy, Jenna Kiani, Binesh Lau, Jenny Ledford, Abigail Leung, Kevin Li, Lu Li, Stephanie Literski, Alexandra Milbrandt, Melissa Miller, Shanna Mitchell, Courtney Nadarajah, Vakishan Naidu, Jason Nisar, Sara Pacheco, Sarah Paragas, Melissa Patel, Neil Peloquin, Christian Phan, David Pudjowargono, Andrew Pym, Christina Raies, Daniel Roma, Maria Sahota, Sheran Sandhu, Sandeep Saras, Hussam Sathchakham, Jessica Sawyer, Talitha Shao, Serena Sherdil, Raihana Sherman, Zachary Sidhu, Ranjodh Surti, Bianca Takahashi, Kirie Thong, Salena Trinh, Cindy Uhlenhopp, Alex Vang, Ka Zoua VanHouten, Kevin Vezinaw, Chloe Weidner, Megan Wong, Alicia Wright, Justin Yee, Andrea Yoon, Lauren Zabaneh, Aida Zeeben, Brandon Third Year Alexopoulos, Denise Arneson, Gretchen Bandstra, Alaina Bartek, Ann Berens, Ashley Blavat, Jamie Bouras, George Brandt, Alexandra Brenart, Robert Burton, Margaret Chahine, Ryan Chan, Trina Choe, David Choo, Michelle Cowling, Jessica Daraban, Daniel Dennis, Erica Enns, Kelly Esposito, Thomas Fervaha, Manraj Fowles, Megan Frantz, Bryan Fulton, Tyler Gao, Cindy Giraldo, Tatiana Gorski, Emily Grainger, Lauren Hanmer, Sarah Harris, Marni Hartnett, Meghan Hasler, Rachel Heaslip, Allison Heer, Sonia Hernandez, Joel Hok, Nicole Hui, Wing Yin Hutchins, Emily Jacobs, Matthew Jhamb, Sameera Karpuk, Kayla Kaur, Harjot Khan, Sadaf Kim, Bosung Klein, Steven Klover, Kori Kosowski, Marco Kothari, Payal Lafreniere, Julie Low, Michelle Lydon, Jennifer McNamara, Stephen Meyer, Megan Meyer, Robert Moghadam, Christina Ngo, Lananh Pfeiffer, Kevin Phung, Y Nhu Pietruszka, Matthew Reeves, Cassie Reynolds, Renae Rosado, Ariel Rosenthal, Bethany Sasitharan, Mathuraa Schaeffer, David Seibert, Spencer Sheth, Rina Singh, Bobby Soder, Katelyn Tai, Aaron Thurmes, Amanda Vehab, Senija Velasco, Monique Wang, Helen Waters, Anna Wilgenbusch, Casey Williams, Jenna Wohlers, Megan Woodward, Melissa Yoo, Hye Seon Zimmerman, Ashley Fourth Year Ahmed, Umema Anderson, Elisabeth Baghdady, Reham Bandali, Kiran Boettcher, Brittany Boyle, Brad Castans, Kylie Caudill, Eryn Chan, Adrienne Chawla, Harsh Chun, Hae Crampton, Nicole Cullen, Stephanie Dean, Emily El Moghrabi, Roula Encarnacao, Cayley Fickbohm, Macy Fisher, Claire Fridman, Alla Gagnon, Erica Gami, Yesha Ganesh, Ranjini Hadziahmetovic, Maja Haghani, Sara Hake, Amanda Hammang, Laurel Han, Mengli Hanneman, Angela Ibrahim, Fatima Jaros, Joelle Jawdi, Ammar Keding, Amy Khan, Majid Kinch, Alicia Klein, Julie Koskey, Jenna Kusek, William Kuta, Jacquelyn LaLiberte, Stephanie Lam, Hara Locy-Fowler, Chelsea Lodhia, Hina Masheli, Niloufar McHugh, Caitlyn McLaughlin, Mallory Minnix, Julie Paek, Helen Panchal, Naiya Patel, Eva Patel, Jaymeni Petkov, Zory Powell, Kimberly Pukhovich, Irina Quan, Steven Roghair, Christopher Rosenberg, Jamie Seaman, Bryan Solomon, Stratton Steinberg, Olivia Steinhauer, Brian Szwajca, Gabrielle Tam, Sally Thomas, Jacie Varney, Kelly Vuong, Joanna Wozny, Natalie Yang, Qian Yi, Eunice Graduate Allenstein, Curran Auyeung, Michelle Badyal, Kevin Batalo, Dillon Berger, Ryan Blood-White, Christi Bohn, Briana Broek, John Bromann, Gretchen Brown, Janelle Bugajski, Christopher Burtch, Robert Carlson, John Carr, Natalie Chan, Jaime Choi, Joann Choi, Young Choy, Alexander Dave, Forum Delano, Richard Doan, Thanhtrinh Doyle, Brian Endres, Chase Fernandes, Noelda Finch, Ashley Gill, Paramvir Green, Katherine Hammond, Paul Hemann, Susan Howell, Aundrea Hui, Ian Jass, Ryan Katsikos, Ashley Kiekhafer, Logan Kitzmann, Eric Koutnik, Edward Kruthoff, Christopher Kwan, Stephanie Kwon, Michelle Lam, Verissa Larson, Christian Le, Vy Lemburg, Emily Marquez, Mark Matz, Milana Menos, Jonathan Metz, Caitlin Minhas, Harpreet Moen, Garrett Morales, Allison Murphy, Sasha Nguyen, Xuan Nguyen Patel, Archna Patel, Shreya Patin, Sarah Peachey, Tayler Polster, Samantha Puka, Lisjen Purdy, Rose Rice, Samantha Richards, Kimberly Ritter, Andrew Rogers, Jenna Russell, Michael Saeli, Samuel Samuels, Michael Santilukka, Pearl Satchithanantham, Nir Schad, Jason Schaefer, Angella Servi, Michael Shahi, Avjit Siblani, Leila Smith, Preston Sorenson, Emily Spalding, Melissa Spoula, Melissa Swenson, Jami Tang, Joanne Tholen, Ashley Toader, Maria Tobyne, Anne Tran, Thuong Tsiganenko, Yana Tylka, Barbara Unruh, Sierra Uppal, Jasandeep Walsh, Elizabeth Watkins, Blaine Weinfurter, Cassandra Wong, Lisa Wu, Patrick Zielinski, Patricia

ICO: Reverspective "Our Favorite Space" The study of optometry is most often used in a clinical setting. However, the inner workings of our eyes, brain, and visual system can affect how we see fine art. Some creative ICO students are building an illusion that tricks the eye. It’s called reverspective. Chido Munjanganja ‘15, Sepideh Omidghaemi ‘15, and twin sister Saeideh Omidghaemi are using reverspective to connect art with science. Reverspective, or “reverse perspective,” uses math to confuse our brains’ perception. An image is drawn on a three-dimensional surface. The surface itself is built toward our eyes, while the painted imagery moves away from us. The sections of the picture that appear furthest away are actually closest to our eyes. Thus, every brush stroke must be carefully calculated. The result is a striking scene that appears to move when we do. As an artistic technique, reverspective was discovered and perfected by Patrick Hughes. The science behind the method is still being explored. ICO’s own Dr. Susan Kelly believes that our brains choose the “most sensible perception-“ movement, in this case- even when the painting remains static. The final product is truly fascinating. Sepideh, Saeideh, and Chido’s painting will feature scenes from the Illinois College of Optometry- the lecture center, clinic, library, and views of Chicago. The piece will be on display starting May 13, 2015. It will remain at ICO after graduation, for future students to ponder and enjoy. In The News Chicago students use optical illusions to trick the brain – WGN-TV, May 13 Optometry College Painting Gives a Different Perspective – ABC 7 News, May 13 Blue-and-Black Dress Illusion Inspires Twins’ Art on How our Eyes Trick Us – DNAinfo Chicago, May 14

WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2015 11 a.m. Guests with tickets can enter the chapel at approximately 10:15 a.m. on a first come basis. At approximately 10:45 a.m., guests without tickets will be allowed seating as it is available. WHERE: Rockefeller Chapel 5850 S. Woodlawn Avenue Chicago, IL 60637 Commencement Reception A reception honoring the Class of 2015 will be held at Ida Noyes Hall immediately following the ceremony. Ida Noyes Hall is located across the street from Rockefeller Chapel. Graduates should plan to return the cap, gown and hood by 1:30 p.m. to ICO staff located in Ida Noyes Hall. In return, the graduate will receive the diploma. If graduates would like to keep the cap and gown for photos, they may do so, but must return on Monday ONLY in the ICO Student Affairs Office. Parking Plenty of parking is typically available on Woodlawn Avenue, University Avenue, 57th Drive, 59th Street, and the Midway Plaisance. Click here to view a map of the area. Photography & Social Media A professional photographer will be capturing each graduate’s big moment on stage as he/she receives the diploma. ICO provides one portrait to each graduate at no cost. Designated areas in the balcony provide space for personal photography or video.  Due to a very strict fire code, family members are not permitted to walk forward (and block aisles) for photography. We’ll be posting commencement news and pictures to ICO’s Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram. Just be sure to tag @ICO_Optometry and use hashtag #ico2015 to join the ICO commencement celebration. Questions Please contact Sharon Uher in the Student Affairs Office with any questions at 312.949.7405 or suher@ico.edu.

Alfred A. Rosenbloom, Jr., OD ‘48, MA, DOS, dean of Illinois College of Optometry from 1955 to 1971, and president from 1972 to 1982, died at the age of 94 on Monday, April 7th. For more than 50 years, Dr. Rosenbloom served as a teacher and administrator to thousands of students; mentor to alumni, faculty and colleagues; and skilled practitioner, improving the vision of countless patients. His legacy continues with the establishment of the Alfred and Sarah Rosenbloom Center on Vision and Aging at the Illinois Eye Institute. He and his wife Sarah saw their long-held dream become a reality in January 2015 with the grand opening of the Rosenbloom Center, established to provide eye care services for the aging population. Dr. Rosenbloom’s interest in optometry began when he was serving in the military at Fort Stewart, Ga., which was then known as Camp Stewart. He became friends there with the two optometrists on staff at the regional hospital, and soon caught their excitement for the profession. He attended school on the GI bill after his discharge, and graduated from ICO in 1948. From there, he built a career that eventually made him a pioneer in low-vision rehabilitation. At the birth of the Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Clinic in 1954 – now the oldest in the nation – he met legendary teacher Helen Keller, who dedicated the building housing the clinic and was given her first exposure to its low vision devices. Of the many things he has accomplished in his storied career, Dr. Rosenbloom said interacting with young optometry students and helping to shape their future is what gave him the most satisfaction. In 1978, the student body presented him with an award marking his 30-year anniversary at ICO. The inscription read, “In appreciation for the 30 years of dedication and faithful service given to the students and faculty of the College, the ICO Student Association presents this award to Dr. Alfred A. Rosenbloom as a token of the high esteem in which he is held by all who have benefitted by his inspired leadership, wisdom and knowledge.” Dr. Rosenbloom counted that award among his most prized possessions. He also received the ICO Student Council Distinguished Service Award twice and received an honorary doctorate from ICO in 1954 at the behest of students who went straight to the president of the board of trustees to ask that he be given that honor. ICO’s 1982 yearbook also was dedicated to him. Dr. Rosenbloom’s role in optometry, both as an educator and a leader, has been recognized numerous times. Dr. Rosenbloom was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame, named Optometrist of the Year by the Illinois Optometric Association, received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Optometric Association, and was given the Ambrose M. Shotwell Memorial Award from the National Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. He also received a plaque from President Clinton, congratulating him on receiving the Beacon of Excellence Award from the Chicago Lighthouse. He also participated in more than 25 missions with the Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH), which provides free eye exams and eyeglasses to individuals in foreign countries. He was a past president of VOSH, and established low vision clinics in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Nepal. In 2007, Dr. Rosenbloom was recognized for his contributions as VOSH/International’s Humanitarian of the Year.

Hey, students! Are you ready for a jam-packed day of hobnobbing and learning about the vast career possibilities that lie ahead? Then, don’t miss the 18th Annual Practice Opportunities Symposium on Friday, April 10. The event begins at 1 p.m. and is a one-stop event to window shop-till-you-drop the spectrum of career paths and resources: • Interactive small group discussions with alumni and other ODs • Information about externships, residencies and specialty/non-traditional practices • Insight on practice management • Networking with private and corporate ODs • Information on practice possibilities after graduation • Demonstrations of the latest optometric products and equipment • Free food and drinks! Students are sure to learn a ton about various modes of practice, post-graduation opportunities and the profession of optometry in general from over 40 practitioners! The event is free, and clinic attire is required. If you are interested in working the event as a Career Development Assistant and making some extra cash, there are still several spots available. Just stop by Daphne Anderson’s office today and complete a work-study form. Positions are first come, first served.

The following students earned a spot on the dean’s list for the Winter 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 Chan, Jessica Chee, Megan Ellerkamp, Aleice Ghotra, Jasmine Goldberg, Jill Gorz, Michael Groth, Benjamin Harris, Taylor Haugen, Trey Heisler, Melissa Henriksen, Mark Hohs, Kathryn Jansen, Samantha Javed, Faiza Keopraseuth, Amy Kiani, Binesh Lau, Jenny Li, Lu Li, Stephanie Literski, Alexandra Mansaray, Marcella Milbrandt, Melissa Miller, Shanna Nadarajah, Vakishan Naidu, Jason Nisar, Sara Pacheco, Sarah Paragas, Melissa Patel, Neil Pierskalla, Justin Poznic, Benjamin Pudjowargono, Andrew Pym, Christina Raies, Daniel Roma, Maria Sahota, Sheran Saras, Hussam Sawyer, Talitha Sherman, Zachary Surti, Bianca Takahashi, Kirie Thong, Salena Trinh, Cindy Uhlenhopp, Alex Vang, Ka Zoua VanHouten, Kevin Vasilova, Liliya Vezinaw, Chloe Vyas, Asha Weidner, Megan Wong, Alicia Yau, Michael Zabaneh, Aida Zeeben, Brandon Second Year Ahrar, Shari Alexopoulos, Denise Bandstra, Alaina Bartek, Ann Berens, Ashley Blavat, Jamie Bouras, George Brandt, Alexandra Brenart, Robert Burton, Margaret Chahine, Ryan Chan, Trina Choo, Michelle Corbin, Stephanie Cowling, Jessica Dao, Trevor Dennis, Erica Enns, Kelly Esposito, Thomas Fervaha, Manraj Fowles, Megan Frantz, Bryan Giraldo, Tatiana Goretsky, Rachel Gorski, Emily Grainger, Lauren Haider, Amina Hasler, Rachel Heaslip, Allison Heer, Sonia Hok, Nicole Hutchins, Emily Jacobs, Matthew Jhamb, Sameera Karpuk, Kayla Kaur, Harjot Khatoon, Sabah Klein, Steven Klover, Kori Kosowski, Marco Kothari, Payal Kroona, Katie Lafreniere, Julie Low, Michelle Lydon, Jennifer Meyer, Megan Meyer, Robert Moghadam, Christina Pfeiffer, Kevin Phung, Y Nhu Pietruszka, Matthew Reeves, Cassie Reynolds, Renae Rosado, Ariel Rosenthal, Bethany Sarazen, Sean Seibert, Spencer Shabo, Eva Sheth, Rina Singh, Bobby Soder, Katelyn Tai, Aaron Vehab, Senija Velasco, Monique Wang, Helen Waters, Anna Wilgenbusch, Casey Williams, Jenna Woodward, Melissa Yoo, Hye Seon Zimmerman, Ashley Third Year Anderson, Elisabeth Bandali, Kiran Been, Travis Boettcher, Brittany Boyle, Brad Calderon Ramirez, Lui Chan, Adrienne Chawla, Harsh Crampton, Nicole Cullen, Stephanie Dean, Emily Dong, Jonathan Donthamsetti, Namrata Encarnacao, Cayley Fisher, Claire Fridman, Alla Gagnon, Erica Hadziahmetovic, Maja Haghani, Sara Hammang, Laurel Han, Mengli Hanneman, Angela Jaros, Joelle Jawdi, Ammar Keding, Amy Khan, Majid Kordon, Victoria Kusek, William Kuta, Jacquelyn LaLiberte, Stephanie Martinez, Jesus Masheli, Niloufar McHenry, Paul McHugh, Caitlyn McLaughlin, Mallory Miller, Richard Minnix, Julie Patel, Eva Patel, Jaymeni Petkov, Zory Powell, Kimberly Pukhovich, Irina Quan, Steven Roghair, Christopher Rosenberg, Jamie Scanlon, Brianne Singh, Gaganpreet Solomon, Stratton Steinberg, Olivia Steinhauer, Brian Szwajca, Gabrielle Tam, Sally Thomas, Jacie Varney, Kelly Vuong, Joanna Wilczek, Margaret Wozny, Natalie Yi, Eunice Fourth Year Akhter, Shabana Allenstein, Curran Andrews, Kristie Auyeung, Michelle Bartolini, Alyssa Batalo, Dillon Berger, Ryan Berkowitz, Rachel Bhat, Shikha Blood-White, Christi Bohn, Briana Boudreau, Amanda Bromann, Gretchen Bugajski, Christopher Burtch, Robert Campbell, Catherine Carlson, John Carr, Natalie Chan, Jaime Chaudhry, Noreen Chaudry, Mariam Cheema, Mandeep Choi, Joann Choy, Alexander Cordel, Taia Delano, Richard Doan, Thanhtrinh Doyle, Brian Du, Jessica Endres, Chase Finch, Ashley Frizzle, Kinzy Gill, Paramvir Green, Katherine Hammond, Paul Hemann, Susan Holcomb, Jennifer Holland, Zachary Holmberg, Kathrine Howell, Aundrea Hueske, Megan Jass, Ryan Johnson, Tyah Kazmer, Krista Kiekhafer, Logan Kitzmann, Eric Kruthoff, Christopher Kwan, Stephanie Lam, Verissa Larson, Christian Lemburg, Emily Lewis, Jessica Luu, Amy Madriaga, Jayson Masood, Sara Metz, Caitlin Minhas, Harpreet Murphy, Sasha Omidghaemi, Sepideh Ortiz, Isaac Ovitsky, Erwin Palmer, Brett-Ashley Patel, Ridhi Patin, Sarah Polster, Samantha Purdy, Rose Rahman, Ambreen Rai, Harminder Rastegar-lari, Nazani Rice, Samantha Robbins, Agnieszka Rogers, Jenna Russell, Michael Ryba, Michelle Saeli, Samuel Samuels, Michael Santilukka, Pearl Sawicki, Lea Schad, Jason Schaefer, Angella Servi, Michael Sorenson, Emily Sullivan, Meghan Tai, Jennifer Tang, Joanne Tobyne, Anne Trivedi, Sonal Tsiganenko, Yana Tylka, Barbara Unruh, Sierra Uppal, Jasandeep Walsh, Elizabeth Walsh, Meghan Watkins, Blaine Wu, Patrick