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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

ICO president Arol Augsburger, OD, announced today that the Illinois College of Optometry is pursuing Joint Commission accreditation for the Illinois Eye Institute: ICO would become the first and only optometry school—making IEI the only provider fully dedicated to eye and vision care in Chicago—to have this notable designation. We have excellent data that supports the high quality of our academic program and this accreditation would prove up the top quality of our clinical facility. We are mindful that patients have choices in eye and vision care services.  Joint Commission accreditation will be our symbol to current and future patients about the quality of care they can expect at the Illinois Eye Institute. Joint Commission accreditation is voluntary and considered the gold standard for patient quality and safety throughout the nation. The road to accreditation will present some challenges and may shift the way we do a few things, but I know we can do it together. Michael Butz will be our project leader on this, so please reach out to him if there are any questions.

The Illinois Eye Institute has expanded again – this time to the West Side of Chicago. IEI is now on board with Loretto Hospital, which is located in the Austin neighborhood, to help address an unmet community need by providing eye care. The IEI first started seeing patients on Wednesday, February 11. “Hospital support has been overwhelmingly positive, said Dr. Dominick Opitz. “There is already a one month wait for an appointment.” The IEI clinic at Loretto Hospital is projected to grow and expand, and the goals are to incorporate students into the site and develop an inter-professional educational experience with the medical students that rotate through Loretto. For now, Dr. Opitz is seeing patients at Loretto on Wednesday afternoons.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, from 5-8 p.m., the institution will be changing phone service providers. During this time the ICO/IEI phone system will be unable to communicate outside of the college for brief periods of time. This maintenance window only affects placing and receiving external calls. All internal calling will remain functional, as well as all computer and network systems.

The cafeteria will be closed for spring break starting Sunday, Feb. 15. It will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, Feb. 23.

Due to the planned power outage this Sunday, Feb. 15 (see item below), IS systems and network equipment will be unavailable from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Impacted systems include, but are not limited to: MediaSite; NextGen; Forum; Shared Drives; Library, RC, Eyepod and Computer Training Lab PCs; ICO and IEI employee PCs; all printers; wireless access; internet access; and Cisco phone system. Applications hosted offsite including My.ICO, Sakai, BlackBaud and MediTrek will be unaffected.

CHICAGO –The Illinois College of Optometry is proud to announce the opening and dedication of the Alfred and Sarah Rosenbloom Center on Vision and Aging at the Illinois Eye Institute. The new facility is located on the ICO campus and is committed to the vision care needs of an aging population. With the rate of severe vision loss set to double by 2030, mirroring the increase in the number of people 65 and older, the Rosenbloom Center is a forward-thinking solution to a fast-growing problem. The center offers primary and secondary vision care to adults, vision rehabilitation and adaptive technology for vision-impaired patients of all ages, occupational therapy, electrophysiology services and psychological support. “Aging patients need specialized attention, and our approach to care includes technologies and therapies that are available at very few other specialty eye centers in Chicago,” said Rosenbloom Center chief Eric Baas, OD. “Patients of all ages in Chicago will benefit from the specialists and services at the Rosenbloom Center.” The center honors Dr. Alfred Rosenbloom and his wife, Sarah. Dr. Rosenbloom served as dean of ICO from 1955 to 1972, president from 1972 to 1982 and remains a distinguished professor emeritus. He was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame in 2010.The establishment of this innovative center ensures Dr. Rosenbloom’s long career, dedication to the practice of optometry and commitment to ICO will be recognized for decades to come. “We believe the $1.82 million center represents a new standard in patient-focused care, not only in Chicago but across the country,” said ICO president Arol Augsburger, OD. “We are beyond pleased the Rosenbloom Center has met the initial fundraising goal and a year ahead of schedule. But, this is just the start – the center is on a trajectory for exciting growth and will continue to benefit from additional support.” Designed by Chicago-based architecture and interior design firm Jensen & Halstead, the Rosenbloom Center received generous support from lead donors Dr. Alfred and Mrs. Sarah Rosenbloom and more than 225 benefactors including Dr. Roger G. Bakewell, Dr. and Mrs. Donovan L. Crouch, Essilor of America, Inc., and Haag-Streit USA and Reliance Medical Products. For more information, visit RosenbloomCenter.org. About the Illinois College of Optometry The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) is among the world’s leading optometric institutions and has provided exceptional clinical education since its founding in 1872. Located in Chicago, ICO is also home to the Illinois Eye Institute. The heart of the college’s clinical division, the IEI is a nonprofit multi-specialty eye center with more than 100,000 annual patient visits. Learn more at ico.edu.

FCO’s annual raffle fundraiser is set for the week of Dec. 8-12. Tickets will be available for purchase from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday. LOTS of exciting raffle prizes have been donated! Prices are as follows: $2 for one ticket, $5 for six and $10 for 15.

The AAO Poinsettia Sale is going on now. Purchase a poinsettia by Friday, Dec. 5, for $15 for your home or a friend. The poinsettias will deliver by Dec. 11th.  Email EOkaj@eyedoc.ico.edu to place your order today! AAO is also hosting a Trivia Night/Battle of the Brains on Friday, December 12 in the Lecture Center. Teams can consist of 3-5 people; entry will be $5/person. Top three teams will win prizes!  Email TLau@eyedoc.ico.edu to sign up your team.