Home • In Chicago • Clubs & Organizations Clubs & Organizations You're more than your OD. Day in the Life Student Blog Housing Clubs & Organizations Health & Safety Our students are not only dedicated care givers and hard-working students. They are passionate go-getters who take the time to follow their interests beyond optometry as well. In the classroom and in the clinic, we are a dedicated team working hard together, but sometimes it’s nice to focus on something that isn’t school. The clubs and organizations on campus help you connect and build relationships through your shared interests. Find Your Group Black Student Union The Black Student Union supports students of the African diaspora academically, culturally and socially by fostering meaningful mentor relationships between black students and practicing optometrists. They also provide leadership and service opportunities to optometry students and encourage undergraduate students to pursue a career in optometry. Multicultural Association The cultural diversity at ICO has increased exponentially over the past several decades. As a result, the MCA is organized to promote the understanding of the diverse cultures within the ICO and IEI communities. Private Practice Club This club prepares students to enter private practice by deepening their understanding of the business aspects of the profession. Monthly, the club offers presentations or panel discussions on practice management. Sample topics include associating with a doctor, practice acquisition, practice management, finance, and marketing. This group focuses on LGBTQ health, specifically within optometry, and hopes to foster a community for queer students here at ICO as well as to build solidarity with other marginalized groups on campus. Queer Eye hopes to advocate for the LGBTQ community and help ICO students become better, more inclusive doctors of optometry. Queer Eye SVOSH The student branch of VOSH, SVOSH‘s objective is to provide vision care to those who do not have access to professional care. Students accompany a practicing OD on mission trips to examine local residents and distribute eye glasses free of charge. Tomb & Key Honor Society Founded in 1934 to recognize academic excellence and to promote ethics within the field of optometry, Tomb & Key is ICO’s highest academic honor organization. Students are eligible for membership during their second year if they achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. Explore More: Professional American Academy of Optometry (ICO Chapter) – The Illinois College of Optometry's student chapter of the American Academy of Optometry shares the AAO's commitment to promoting vision care through lifelong learning. We strive to foster personal growth, education, and active participation in optometry at the student level. American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) – The student branch of the American Optometric Association, AOSA, includes students representing all optometry schools in the US and Canada. Each institution elects a student trustee to represent its students at all AOSA functions. This organization represents student concerns to other optometric groups including the AOA and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) – COVD is an organization devoted to the enhancement and rehabilitation of vision and vision development. In addition, COVD works towards educating the public on the benefits of vision therapy. Cornea & Contact Lens Society – Serves to expand the knowledge of contact lens care and management of anterior segment disease among students, while also familiarizing students with advances in optometric health and the availability of products available to assist in improving patient care. Private Practice Club – Established to help prepare students to enter private practice by making them more knowledgeable of the business aspects of the profession. On a monthly basis, the club offers presentations, lectures and panel discussions concerning all facets of practice management. The presenters include a variety of nationally known speakers, optometrists, and other professionals. Sample topics include associating with a doctor, practice acquisition, practice management, finance and marketing. Identity / Multicultural Black Student Union – The Black Student Union’s aim is to support students of the African diaspora academically, culturally and socially by fostering meaningful mentor relationships between black students and practicing optometrists. We seek to provide leadership and service opportunities to optometry students and to encourage undergraduate students to pursue a career in optometry. Canadian Association of Optometry Students – Canadians comprise approximately 20 percent of ICO’s student body. The Canadian Students Association provides an opportunity for Canadians to meet and discuss topics ranging from financial aid to life in Chicago. Additionally, the group strives to maintain an awareness of optometry in Canada by examining changes to the profession in each of the individual provinces. Multicultural Association – The cultural diversity at ICO has increased exponentially over the past several decades. As a result, the MCA is organized to promote the understanding of the diverse cultures within the ICO and IEI communities. Muslim Students Association – The MSA seeks to facilitate better networking and communication in the community, as well as help others through community service events and fundraisers. National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) – The student branch of the National Optometric Association, an organization dedicated to increasing the number of minority optometrists. The NOSA also aims to advance the visual health of minority populations. The NOSA at ICO is involved in a variety of activities oriented toward educating youth about optometry, increasing awareness of and interest in the profession, and helping underserved populations in need of eye care. Queer Eye – This group focuses on LGBTQ health, specifically within optometry, and hopes to foster a community for queer students here at ICO as well as build solidarity with other marginalized groups on campus. Queer Eye hopes to advocate for the LGBTQ community and help ICO students become better, more inclusive doctors of optometry. This club plans to organize various fundraisers and vision screenings centered around underserved LGBTQ communities. All are welcomed to join! Community Service Fellowship of Christian Optometrists – FCO seeks to help optometrists further the Gospel of Jesus Christ both in the workplace and through mission trips. Recent destinations include Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. FCO meets weekly for fellowship, prayer, snacks, and Bible study. Members also participate in frequent service outings. ICO Omega Leo Club – A service organization with a focus on enhancing the local community and promoting widespread community service through Lions Club International. Student Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity (SVOSH) – The student branch of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity, SVOSH, is an independent charitable organization whose objective is to provide vision care to foreign and domestic people who do not have access to professional vision care. Student volunteers for this independent organization accompany a practicing OD and other healthcare professionals on mission trips to examine local residents and distribute eye glasses free of charge. Medical referrals are made when needed. Students go on multiple missions each year; recent missions include Peru, Guatemala, Mexico and Morocco. Student Wellbeing All Bonding through Life and Eyes (ABLE) – ABLE is a mental health group run by students for students. The working mission is to 1) enhance the mental health and quality of life for the student body of ICO, 2) serve as a safe space for students to come together as a community, and 3) foster a non-discriminative attitude while simultaneously minimizing the stigma of psychopathology. Student Association (SA) – All enrolled students are automatically members of the SA. Functioning in cooperation with the college administration, SA considers matters concerning student welfare, and monitors a wide variety of student activities and publications. The SA president and board of directors are elected by a school-wide ballot, and serve as the official representatives of the student body on all matters. Honor Societies Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society – This honorary society enlists students who have excellent academic records and who wish to serve the college and community. Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society – This honorary society recognizes upperclassmen who have demonstrated outstanding professional and ethical attitudes through leadership in their class, college and profession. Membership consists of five percent of the third year class and ten percent of the fourth year class. All candidates are chosen for lifetime membership. Tomb & Key Honor Society – Founded in 1934 to recognize academic excellence and to promote ethics within the field of optometry, Tomb & Key is ICO’s highest academic honor organization. Students are eligible for membership during their second year if they achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher.

Student Financial Services at ICO can help FAFSA applicants find the most affordable way to attend optometry school. Loans, work-study, scholarships, and other opportunities are available. Home • Admissions • Funding Your O.D. • Cost of Attendance Cost of Attendance Discover ways to fund your O.D. Federal Aid ICO Scholarships Cost of Attendance We recognize each student's financial situation is unique to them. Together, we will build a customized solution that will work for your financial needs. Throughout your time at ICO, we work with you to understand your loans and educate you on repayment strategies for a manageable repayment process following graduation.   By choosing to pursue a Doctor of Optometry degree, you are making an important investment in yourself and your future. We understand the process of funding your education can feel complicated and overwhelming, but we are committed to assisting our students with receiving an education in the most cost-effective manner possibl e. Sample Estimated Direct Program Costs Additional Budgetary Items to Consider We want to ensure your financial aid covers your expenses. You may or may not incur these costs, but they are considered allowable education expenses that financial aid is able to cover. Because of that in most of our financial aid award estimates we also include the following costs: These costs are not exclusive to ICO. When choosing an optometry school, make sure to ask about these potential costs. Sample Financial Aid Award When looking at your aid eligibility, the financial aid office establishes an estimated cost of attendance that includes direct educational expenses, in addition to allowances for personal (or indirect) expenses. Direct educational expenses are those things that are billed to all students. Personal or indirect expenses are reasonable budget allowances for costs you can expect to incur as living expenses. Your living expenses will vary based on your personal choices, but we include a reasonable estimate of costs for our area. To see a breakdown of costs by year, you can visit our consumer information page or search "Estimate Cost of Attendance" in the search bar. FinAidEligible Frequently asked questions Do I qualify for U.S. federal financial aid? The following criteria must be met to receive aid from the U.S. Federal Student Aid programs. Demonstrated financial need. Enrollment in the program at least half-time or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree. U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen. Valid Social Security Number. If you don’t have a Social Security Number, you can learn more about applying for one. Maintain satisfactory academic progress. Sign a statement on the application for U.S. Federal Student Aid certifying that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes (ICO’s school code is 001689). Sign a statement on the FAFSA certifying that you are not in default on a federal student loan and that you do not owe money back on a federal student grant. Registration with the Selective Service, if applicable (if you are an American male 18 through 25 years of age and you have not yet registered with Selective Service, you can register by checking a box on the FAFSA). How do I apply for financial aid? There are several types of financial aid and a variety of scholarships available to help with the cost of your education. To apply for U.S. Federal Financial Aid and Direct Loans, you will only need to complete the FAFSA. Our school code is 001689. This form is available every October 1 for the upcoming Fall Term and can be accessed through the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid. Annually, you will be asked to complete the FAFSA to renew your eligibility. If you are unsure of your eligibility, you can review the federal eligibility requirements as listed above to confirm that you qualify to receive financial aid. I completed my FAFSA, what's next? Following the submission of your completed FAFSA, we will put together a financial aid package that covers your full estimated cost of attendance and identifies all forms of Federal Aid for which you qualify. You select how much of the award you wish to accept and pursue. Scholarship recipients will see your award adjusted to include the scholarship. How do I apply for ICO scholarships? When applying for graduate programs in optometry, you might feel as though you have to submit a lot of information. We remove the step of having prospective students apply for ICO scholarships by automatically reviewing your application for merit-based scholarships; you do not need to apply separately. Scholarship recipients are notified by the Admission Office at the time of acceptance. Office of Financial Aid CONTACT P. 312-949-7445 E finaid@ico.edu LOCATION Illinois College of Optometry Office of Financial Aid 3241 S. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60616

Home • Give • Giving Initiatives Giving Initiatives at Illinois College of Optometry Giving Initatives Your Impact at ICO Make a Gift Gift Planning There are many ways to give back to the ICO community whether you choose to join the Leadership Circle or to make a one-time gift, your impact will be felt throughout our ICO community. Join our Leadership Circle Leadership Circle recognizes Illinois College of Optometry’s most generous benefactors. The financial support of these members is vital to ICO, helping us to fulfill our mission to provide excellence in optometric clinical education. Leadership Circle Annual Appeal Our Annual Appeal helps to advance our ICO Mission and supports our scholarship, research, patient care and community initiatives. Be a part of advancing our mission today! Make a Difference D.E.I. Scholarships Through this campaign, we aim to increase the scholarship funds available to current and prospective Black and underrepresented minority students.  D.E.I. Scholarship Give Today Help move forward our institution and optometry. Give Today Giving & Legacy Society The Lifetime Giving Societies recognize those whose cumulative gifts in support of ICO and the IEI total $5,000 or more. Legacy Society members share the honor of having included us in their wills or estate plans.  Society Information Development Office CONTACT P. 312-949-7073 E masciutto@ico.edu LOCATION Illinois College of Optometry Attn: Development 3241 S. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60616

ICO gives its students a rich clinical education rooted in biomedical science. Courses include human anatomy, immunology, pharmacology, and more, centered around optometry and the eye. Home • In the Classroom • Courses & Curriculum Courses & Curriculum Learn the science of caring. Courses & Curriculum Student Resources NBEO Scores Faculty Research at ICO Library Dr. Messner During your first two years, you will receive clinical training that will help acclimate you to the patient care environment. Initial experiences in the Community Screening Program and the Clinical Assistant Program provide a foundation for direct patient care in primary eye care. Dr. Baker The second and third year programs more fully integrate students into direct patient care activities. As your knowledge progresses, the cases you see will also become more complex. Dr. Patel Fourth year is all clinical. This is your chance to deepen your knowledge and to specialize in your chosen optometric field.  Course Overview Every course takes you closer to your doctor of optometry. We have divided your ICO courses into six tracks. Each course will build on one another and bring you closer to your doctor of optometry. You will begin in a lecture-laboratory setting and move toward a one-to-one relationship between student and patient during your second and third year. Completion of the program prepares students for state licensure and employment. Note: For those joining ICO before completing an undergraduate degree, you may also graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Visual Science. To learn more about this degree visit our pre-health advisor page. Biomedical and Vision Sciences (BVS) These courses provide the basic science knowledge needed to build upon in future years. For example: anatomy, physiology, optics, and vision science. These courses are taken primarily during the first and second years of the program.  Ocular Disease (OCD) These courses provide the student knowledge regarding ocular and systemic disease that is needed to adequately care for patients. These courses run through the second and third years of the program.  Primary Optometric Practice (POP) This category teaches the skills used in a comprehensive eye examination. The courses begin right away in first year, and continue through the second year. In general, skills are taught in the order they will be administered during an eye examination.  Patient Care (PCE) PCE hours are spent rotating through our various clinical departments: Primary Care, Eyewear Center, Contact Lens, Vision Rehabilitation, Pediatrics/Binocular Vision, Advanced Care, and Urgent Care. These rotations begin during the first professional year and become more intensive as you progress.  Specialty Optometric Practice (SOP) This portion of the curriculum emphasizes eye examination skills particular to optometric specialty areas: contact lens, pediatrics, and vision rehabilitation. These courses are taught in the second and third professional years.  Practice Management Ethics (PME) Finally, this category explores the ethical, legal, administrative, and clinical core issues of practice management to assure that the optometrist provides the health care consumer with quality, accessible, and cost-efficient eye health and vision care.  These courses cover the professional ethics and responsibilities, professional fundamentals, knowledge and skills, financial components, and administrative requirements necessary for the practice of optometry and office management.  Your four-year curriculum: Below is a year-by-year breakdown of the required curriculum. Elective courses in a variety of topics may also be available. FIRST PROFESSIONAL YEAR Students enter the Clinical Assistant Program and assist patients in making their way through the Illinois Eye Institute (IEI). SUMMER QUARTER FALL QUARTER WINTER QUARTER SPRING QUARTER SECOND PROFESSIONAL YEAR SUMMER QUARTER FALL QUARTER WINTER QUARTER SPRING QUARTER THIRD PROFESSIONAL YEAR SUMMER QUARTER FALL QUARTER WINTER QUARTER SPRING QUARTER FOURTH PROFESSIONAL YEAR * Students are assigned to one of these activities each quarter. The quarter may vary from student to student.

Home • Admissions • Applying to ICO • International Admissions International Admissions TOEFL, visa requirements, and additional information 3+4 Program Due Dates & Pre-Reqs Entering Class Profile Interview Day International Admissions Our Admissions Committee evaluates all applicants, international or domestic using the same criteria, and we do not limit the number of international students ICO will admit. There is a strong group of international students at ICO and we are sure you will find yourself at home here. Applying to ICO as an International, a 3-step process 1 Complete all the required admissions steps Due Dates & Pre-Reqs 2 Prove English Language Proficiency. In some cases your TOEFL exam may be waived. See FAQs below for more information. 3 Start preparing for the F-1 visa process This can be a long process. We'll work with you to ensure this goes smoothly! The 'ICO Family' is definitely real. Even if you're moving to a brand new place and don't know anyone, ICO is such a tight knit community, and I love that feeling. - Karl Clark Sanders, OD '25 Find Your Place at ICO Multi-Cultural Association The cultural diversity at ICO has increased exponentially over the past several decades. As part of the MCA, you will collaborate with teams to promote the understanding of the diverse cultures within the ICO and IEI communities. Canadian Association of Optometry Students Nearly 20 percent of ICO’s student body is Canadian. Here you will have the opportunity to meet other Canadians and discuss topics ranging from financial aid to life in Chicago. You will also help promote awareness of optometry in Canada. Private Practice Club This club was established to prepare you for private practice. On a monthly basis, you will participate in presentations, lectures and panel discussions concerning all facets of practice management. Learn more about life in Chicago. Frequently asked questions What are the admission requirements for international students? As an international candidate you should fulfill all of our general admission requirements . To learn more, it is best to visit the Due Dates & Pre-Reqs page. Does ICO accept foreign transcripts? If you have completed college-level coursework at schools outside the United States or Canada, or if your transcripts are not in English, your transcripts need to be submitted to an official evaluation service. ICO accepts transcript evaluations from World Education Services and Educational Credential Evaluators. The evaluation board must send the official copy of the evaluation directly to the ICO Admissions office. I was accepted to ICO, what should I do next to start the visa process? As part of the F1 visa application, admitted International students need to present proof of financial responsibility by mid-June of their admitted year. Evidence of financial responsibility will allow the College to issue the student an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) which must be presented to the US Consular Office in the home country (or, for Canadian citizens, at the port of entry/Canadian border) to apply for an F-1 nonimmigrant visa. What documents are needed for an F-1 visa? The following documents are used to apply for an F-1 Visa: Form I-20 A-B Evidence of English ability Evidence of intent to depart the US after completion of studies Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay Financial support documentation Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee receipt What are the fees associated with an F-1 visa? The Department of Homeland Security requires that individuals seeking status as an F-1 non-immigrant student pay a fee to cover the costs for the continued operation of the Student Exchange Visitor Program, including the administration and maintenance of SEVIS. For current SEVIS fee information, please refer to the US Immigration & Customs Enforcement website. Office of Admissions CONTACT P. 312-949-7400 E admissions@ico.edu LOCATION Illinois College of Optometry Office of Admissions 3241 S. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60616 CONNECT

Home • In the Clinic • Outreach Outreach Serving both local and global communities. Illinois Eye Institute Research Opportunities Outreach Summer Opportunities Externships Residency Program During your time at ICO, you will have the opportunity give back to our community, the city of Chicago and the world. Our Faculty and future ODs come together to offer optimal vision care to all of the patients we serve. Here are just a few ways ICO students reach out: Chicago Public Schools We work with Chicago Public Schools to provide needed eye health and vision care to underserved students through the Lewenson Center at IEI. Our services include eye exams, vision therapy, visual information processing testing, optical coherence tomography, and anterior and posterior segment photos, and eye-movement testing. We also provide myopia management and treatment for various pathologies that can begin in youth. Vision Screenings We provide free vision screening services at schools and events in the Chicagoland area. Junior Olympics We sponsor sports and vision screenings for the Junior Olympic games each summer. Our students and faculty evaluate each athlete's visual system in relation to his or her particular sport. Special Olympics We are also the official provider of eye care for the Special Olympics . ICO students and faculty attend the Opening Eyes and Medfest vision screenings each year and, working with several sponsoring ophthalmic organizations, provide protective eyewear and glasses to athletes free of charge. Community Outreach We are invited to participate in health events throughout the community. Some are large fairs others are smaller mobile clinics built specifically for those who otherwise would not have access to health care. ICO students consistently show up for our community and it’s always fun to see them interacting with the many diverse cultures in Chicago. Mission Trips Student Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity One of our most popular clubs on campus is SVOSH. After 25 hours of community service in the Chicago area, students are invited to accompany a practicing OD on mission trips to examine local residents and distribute eye glasses free of charge. Medical referrals are made when needed. Fellowship of Christian Optometrists FCO also puts together mission trips throughout the year. Recent destinations include Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. Your impact will be felt far beyond ICO. Get to Know Some of Our IEI Patients

ICO gives its students a rich clinical education rooted in biomedical science. Courses include human anatomy, immunology, pharmacology, and more, centered around optometry and the eye. Home • In the Clinic • Summer Opportunities Summer Opportunities Spend the summer deepening your knowledge of optometry. Illinois Eye Institute Research Opportunities Outreach Summer Opportunities Externships Residency Program You will have one summer break while at ICO: the summer between your first and second year. While most students will choose to take a break, some students apply to our summer programs and if selected, participate in the Accelerated Clinical Program or the Student Research Program.   Accelerated Clinical Program Most of your second-year clinical experience is in the IEI’s Primary Eye Care. For those students who choose to stay at ICO during the summer, the Accelerated Clinical Program allows you to complete much of your second-year clinical training during the summer. Meaning you will spend your second year and onward in more advanced clinical activities.   Student Research Program For those interested in pursuing research as an optometrist, we have a strong and constantly growing research group at ICO.  During the summer, rising second years work with faculty mentors to develop and implement research projects. They will be given both a stipend and housing and will also receive a research award once they have done a meeting presentation or published their findings in a journal.  A glimpse into the research of a few of our past participants  Daniel ‘24 worked with Dr. Jennifer Harthan and Dr. Rebecca Zoltoski to study the effects of red ginseng on Dry Eye Disease.  Lydie ’23 worked with Dr. Mallory McLaughlin to comparing two Virtual Field Devices, using both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Their findings were later presented at the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.  Jena '22 worked with Dr. Tracy Matchinski to study how educational videos and simulated vision impairment affects glaucoma patients understanding of their disease. Their findings were presented at the 2020 American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting.   Get to know some of our Summer Research Program mentors Dr. Pang Dr. Pang heads the research department. She specializes in Myopia control. In the past, students who have worked with her have studied dry eye in children, how specific drug dosages affect visual acuity and the risk factors for Meibomian Gland Morphology Dr. Sicks Dr. Sicks serves as an attending doctor in the Cornea and Contact Lens department. In the past, students who have worked with her have studied the demographics of keratoplasty patients, the effectiveness of various questionnaires and how these questionnaires can help diagnose patients, and the risk factors for Meibomian Gland Morphology. Dr. Winters Dr. Winters serves as an attending doctor in the Primary Care department. In the past, students who have worked with her have studied how blue light blocking filters affect eye strain and how patients can better understand the effects of glaucoma through vision impairment simulations. Dr. Matchinski Dr. Matchinski leads the low vision clinic at ICO. In the past, students who have worked with her have explored how low vision devices can simulate glaucoma vision impairment and how this affects patient’s understanding of their vision loss.

Home • In Chicago • Health & Safety Health & Safety Ensuring you succeed in optometry school and beyond. Day in the Life Student Blog Housing Clubs & Organizations Health & Safety Health profession programs are rigorous. They require hours of studying and hard work to ensure you are prepared for your lifetime commitment to your future patients. We are here to help you become the best doctor possible. For your physical health As a health care institution, we are committed to providing students with the resources needed for health and wellness to set them up for success here at ICO. To do so, our gym is conveniently located steps away from the lecture center and clinic. Explore ICO's Gym For your academic health When you join ICO, you join a strong team committed to your education and general wellbeing. We have set up many support systems in place to ensure you are supported in all ways possible. Learn how we support student success Staying Safe at ICO Chicago is a big city, and as in any big city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. That being said, our campus is compact and we work hard to keep you safe on campus. ID swipes needed for entry To access the building, you are required to pass either through an entryway where a security guard sits or to swipe your ID. This means that only staff, faculty and students can access campus. 24/7 campus surveillance We have cameras throughout the buildings. Our security team is on site both day and night to handle any issues that may arise. Shuttle Services after hours To help students arrive home safely (especially after a long night of studying) a shuttle runs around ICO's surrounding areas. This is offered free of charge. They are also happy to accompany you to your car. Security Office CONTACT P. 312-949-7633 LOCATION Illinois College of Optometry Office of Admissions 3241 S. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60616

ICO gives its students a rich clinical education rooted in biomedical science. Courses include human anatomy, immunology, pharmacology, and more, centered around optometry and the eye. Home • In the Classroom • NBEO Scores NBEO Scores Check the numbers. Courses & Curriculum Student Resources NBEO Scores Faculty Research at ICO Library As students progress through the ICO curriculum, and provided they remain in good academic standing, they will be eligible to take the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) series of examinations. The National Board Examinations are required for licensure by every state in the United States. ICO students historically exceed the national pass rate on all parts of the NBEO exam. Program Completion Licensing Exam Rate The Program Completion Licensing Exam Rate is the proportion of students completing all of a program’s curricular requirements within a calendar year who, by the end of that calendar year, are licensed, or have passed all parts of an examination series that would permit licensure, in the United States or Canada. NBEO Part I Applied Basic Science NBEO Part II Patient Assessment and Management NBEO Part III Patient Encounters and Performance Skills NBEO Ultimate Pass Rates Published results include the performance of all first-time takers of each NBEO examination Part within the specified timeframe regardless of year of enrollment, year of graduation, or graduation status; first-time taker pass rates published on the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) website ( link ) are limited to candidates that have graduated. Illinois College of Optometry does not require passage of any part of NBEO for graduation, and therefore none of our data has been excluded. Published results include the performance of all first-time takers of each NBEO examination Part within the specified timeframe regardless of year of enrollment, year of graduation, or graduation status. For graduation rates and further information on student success, visit here.

Home Consumer Information Refund Policy, Requirements for Withdrawal and Return of Title IV Financial Aid, and Hardship Withdrawal Policy Withdrawal from Professional Studies To withdraw from the College a student must: • Provide a written request to the Dean of Student Affairs • Satisfy all obligations to the College Students considering withdrawal are advised to first meet with the Dean of Student Affairs to discuss reasons for withdrawal. The student seeking withdrawal or separation for ICO will go through a separation interview with the Dean of Student Affairs or the Assistant Dean for Student Success. Through this interview the student will be made aware of all financial and other obligations. The Registrar's Office will be notified upon completion of the separation interview. No diploma, certification of academic standing or transcript of credits will be released while a student has unmet obligations to the College, unless the withdrawal is due to a hardship appeal. Refunds of tuition fees and room charges are based on published College policy and practice. Students are entitled to a refund based on the "most fair and equitable" refund policy as defined by the Higher Education Amendments of 1992. Refunds for all students will be provided based upon the policy generating the greatest of either the institutional, federal or pro-rata credit amount. The charges will be based upon the federal return of Title IV funds calculation that looks at the percentage of the enrollment period completed through the 60% point of the term. Credit Balance Refunds - Refund checks are issued to students when excess funds exist on their accounts after crediting Title IV funds. Refunds will be issued as soon as possible but no later than fourteen (14) days after: (1) the date of the first day of class, (2) the date the credit balance occurs, or (3) the date the student rescinds authorization to hold a credit balance. Payment of Prior Year Charges - In general, ICO does not apply current aid funds to prior year balances. A student may request in writing to use the current year credits to cover prior year charges that are less than $100.00. Request to Transfer The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) discourages transfer of students from one institution to another. However, in certain instances a transfer may be deemed necessary for reasons disclosed by the student. To request a transfer from ICO to another institution, the student should first meet with the Dean of Student Affairs, well in advance of the anticipated transfer date to discuss their situation and to receive counsel on the procedures to be followed, as recommended by ASCO. The Dean of Student Affairs will provide a letter to the institution to which the student is applying for transfer indicating the College has been advised of the students' current enrollment status. The student must sign a release approving any additional information to be provided on the student's behalf. The College policy for transfer of credit for transfer students entering ICO is to consider the content, clock hours and credit from the previous institution. Because optometry school curricula are largely individual, the decision about transfer credit is made individually by the Registrar in consultation with the Academic Dean of the College. Refunds/Repayments If a student withdraws from classes, he/she may be entitled to receive money back which had been paid to the College. ICO may be able to refund all or a portion of the tuition, fees, housing costs, etc. the student paid. If the tuition, fees, housing costs, etc. were paid with financial aid dollars, then all or a portion of the student's refund must be returned to the student aid programs from which the money was awarded according to the mandates of the “Return of Title IV Aid Requirements”. A student who received credit balance refund to assist with living expenses and then withdraws, drops out, or is expelled, may be required to repay money to the aid programs from which the money was awarded, unless the funds were borrowed under the student loan programs. Funds for living expenses that derive from federal student loans are repaid according to the terms of the promissory note. ICO has designed the following policies and procedures to ensure proper accountability when a student leaves the College. Refund Policy for all Students When a student withdraws on or after the first day of class during a quarter and has received (or is eligible to receive) federal student aid, a refund calculation is performed according to the “Return of Title IV Aid Requirements”. The refund policy reflects the standards of the school’s accrediting agency and State law. The date used to calculate the refund is determined as follows: In the case of a student who officially withdraws, the date of the withdrawal. In the case of a student who unofficially withdraws, the drop out date which is the last recorded date of class attendance as documented by the institution. The Registrar’s Office is responsible for determining and documenting the last day of attendance. In the case of a student who is expelled, the date of the expulsion Refund Policy for Financial Aid Recipients Institutions are required to have a fair and equitable refund policy for students who receive financial aid. Students receiving financial assistance are subject to an additional refund analysis. Refund Policy for Title IV Recipients Upon a student’s complete withdrawal from a term or program, ICO will calculate the percentage of aid and charges earned by the student and the percentage of aid required to be returned to the federal financial aid program. For Title IV refunds, ICO will identify those students as those who have received a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and/or Graduate Plus Loan since Federal Work Study (FWS) funds are considered earned by the student as compensation for work completed and is not subject to a refund calculation. For each term, ICO calculates the percentage earned as the number of days of the term completed divided by the total number of days in the term. Breaks of five or more consecutive calendar days are excluded from the calculation. This refund calculation applies when a student withdraws or ceases attendance before completing 60% of the term. Particular break periods that occur throughout the year are: Academy Week (typically in October/November- Fall or Winter Quarter) AOA/AOSA (typically in June—Summer quarter) Thanksgiving Break (November—Winter quarter) Holiday Break (in December- early January- Winter quarter) ICO will also calculate the amount of aid that has not been earned and must be returned to the program by calculating the days remaining in the term divided by the number of enrollment days in the term. ICO institutional charges that are subject to the refund calculation include tuition and mandatory fees and housing charges in the residential complex for those who have a housing contract in effect at the time of withdrawal. Per federal formula, ICO will return unearned aid that must be refunded to the programs in the following order, as soon as possible but not later than 45 days from the determination of withdrawal or cessation of enrollment: Direct Unsubsidized Loan Direct Grad Plus Loan Federal Health Professions Student Loan In cases where the calculation indicates that a student has received loan funds in excess of what they have earned based on enrollment, those excess funds will be subject to repayment according to the terms of the promissory note governing the funds. Since ICO students are not eligible to receive Federal Title IV grants, only loans are subject to repayment for unearned aid. Any credit balance that results from a refund calculation will be disbursed within 14 days after the R2T4 (Withdrawal/Return of Title IV Funds) calculation. Post Withdrawal Disbursement If the amount of aid awarded to the student that has been disbursed is less than the amount of the aid earned, ICO will calculate a post-withdrawal disbursement. The student will be informed, within the allowed 30 day period after withdrawal, that the funds are available for direct disbursement to the student and can be processed upon the request of the student within that 30 day timespan. Refund Policy for Institutional Fund Recipients ICO follows the same procedure for institutional funding. Distribution of Refund Policies ICO’s refund and repayment policies are disseminated to students in the Student Guide and are available in the Consumer Information section on ICO.EDU. Students may receive additional information by making an appointment with an Aid Administrator. R2T4 (Withdrawal/Return of Title IV Funds) If a student withdraws prior to the 60% portion of the term, the Business Office performs the R2T4 calculation utilizing Campus Nexus Student (Anthology) refund calculation tool. The Financial Aid Office verifies the calculation. The Business Office initiates any required return of funds and notifies the Financial Aid Office of the return of funds. Adjustment to tuition and fee charges are made based on the time period in which the student withdrew and the reason for withdrawal. Tuition may be prorated based on the R2T4 calculation of percentage earned or may be reversed due to extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. In cases of dismissal, the Financial Aid and Business Offices are notified of the decision and begin the R2T4 process. The calculation is processed the same as a withdrawal. Students who elect and are approved for a Leave of Absence have 180 days in which to return. Failure to return to the academic program within the 180 prompts an R2T4 calculation based on the student’s last date of attendance. Physical or Financial Hardship Withdrawal Policy Consistent with the Illinois Student Debt Assistance Act, this policy establishes processes and procedures to assist students in limiting their student debt when a physical or financial hardship requires the student to withdraw from Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) after the 100% tuition add/drop deadline has passed, as well as implementing requirements of the Act as it pertains to access to student transcripts. This policy should be read in conjunction with other College policies related to student financial aid and student accounts. Official and Unofficial Transcripts Pursuant to and in compliance with the Act, ICO will not (i) refuse to provide an unofficial transcript to a current or former student on the grounds that the student owes a debt; (ii) condition the provision of an unofficial transcript on the payment of a debt, other than a fee charged to provide the transcript; or (iii) charge a higher fee for obtaining an unofficial transcript or provide less favorable treatment of a request for an unofficial transcript because a current or former student owes a debt. For official transcripts, ICO (i) will provide an official transcript of a current or former student to a current or potential employer, even if the current or former student owes a debt to ICO; (ii) will not condition the provision of an official transcript to a current or potential employer on the payment of a debt, other than a fee charged to provide the transcript; and (iii) will not charge a higher fee for transferring an official transcript to a current or potential employer or provide less favorable treatment for such a request because a current or former student owes a debt. If a hold has been placed on a student's transcript for reasons other than a debt owed, the student must contact the appropriate department to resolve the hold. Physical or Financial Hardship Withdrawal Request A student may apply for a hardship withdrawal from their academic enrollment at ICO due to an unforeseeable and documented circumstance that occurs after the 100% tuition refund deadline of end of the first week of a term, which had a significant impact on the student's ability to continue in their course of study and be successful. Examples of a physical or financial hardship include: (i) serious injury or illness; (ii) chronic illness; (iii) a serious medical issue of a family member (spouse or partner, child, parent or guardian, grandparent, or sibling) for which the student is a part-time or full-time caretaker of that family member; (iv) a mental health condition of the student; (v) a sudden or consistent lack of transportation that prohibits a student's presence in class; or (vi) a significant, non-elective cost of living increase for the student. To request a hardship withdrawal under this policy, the student must submit an appeal letter to the Dean of Student Affairs requesting the Hardship withdrawal and submit supporting documentation of the physical/financial hardship evidencing the significant physical or financial hardship prior to the end of the term/semester in which they intend to withdraw. Hardship withdrawal submissions will be reviewed by the Dean of Student Affairs. Students will be considered for a full or partial refund of the original tuition, fee, and any other charges for the term of the withdrawal. Outcomes will be based on the information submitted along with ICO records including but not limited to enrollment, financial aid, and billing which will be made available to the Dean of Student Affairs. Students will receive communication regarding the review outcome or any requests for further information within two weeks of submission. As a general rule, students are not eligible for hardship withdrawals if they have completed all course requirements (e.g., attended the final exam or submitted the final project/paper/portfolio). If a hardship appeal is granted, a student receiving US Federal Student loans will have the portion that paid for the reduced tuition returned to the loan, any stipend received for living expenses from federal student loans will enter repayment per the promissory note requirements. A student granted a hardship appeal will have their tuition and fees for the term retroactively cancelled. The date of withdrawal will be based upon the last date of attendance for the student. A “W” grade would be assigned to the class per academic policy. A student who files or attempts to file a fraudulent application for a withdrawal under this policy in order to avoid a failing grade or disciplinary action may be considered in violation of the Code Conduct and would be subject to disciplinary action accordingly.

Home • Events • White Coat Project White Coat Project DONATE HERE White Coat Ceremony White Coat Project Practice Opportunities Commencement Homecoming The White Coat Project is one of ICO's new initiatives meant to inspire college students to pursue careers in optometry and other health careers. The Pre-Health Professions Crash Course is the first official event under this initiative. The ultimate goal is to reverse health disparities in high-risk populations. During our first pilot session, high school students, undergraduates, and alumni from our college access partner, Chicago Scholars , will learn about optometry, dentistry, pharmacy, and public health, from practitioners who come from similar backgrounds. We hope that all of our program participants strongly consider optometry as a career. If there is a better fit in another health profession, we are honored to make the introduction. If you’re interested in learning more, you can also check out the interview we did with Dr. Harris a few months ago. For all Chicago Scholars students participating, breakfast and lunch will be served, and a stipend will be provided. For participants, if you find optometry interesting, we’d love to stay in touch with you! Don’t forget our Focus on Your Future program and we would be happy to connect you with a shadowing opportunity as well. Below, you will find the information for the speakers at the White Coat Project: Uchechi Mitchell, PhD, MSPH Dr. Mitchell is an Assistant Professor of Community Health Sciences at the University of Illinois-Chicago. She is an expert in health equity and disparities and will lecture on these topics. She brings years of research and education from Harvard and UCLA. Rose Amable, DDS Dr. Amable was born in Peru and moved to the United States at the age of 19. She speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese. She is a private practice co-owner at Ardsley Family Dental in New York. She is also a clinical professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the NYU College of Dentistry. Breanne McGhee, OD, FAAO, MEd Dr. McGhee is a staff optometrist at Oschner Health System in Louisiana. She is very active in several professional optometric organizations and committees. She has a strong commitment to health professions education. She has a Master of Education degree and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education and Leadership. Tareq Nabhan, OD Dr. Nabhan is an optometrist and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry. He is originally from Palestine. He currently serves as a subject matter expert/consultant for several optometric organizations and is very active in research, education, and humanitarian eyecare initiatives. Drs. McGhee and Nabhan will deliver the optometry portion of our program together. Josiah Baker, PharmD Dr. Baker graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Pharmacy in 2021. He is currently in the second year of his residency program, which he specializes in Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital in Hines, Illinois. DONATE HERE

Erik Mothersbaugh, OD '12 My Foundation Erik Mothersbaugh, OD ‘12, calls himself a “home-grown product of ICO.” Raised in the Chicago suburbs, chose optometry when many of his friends were headed for careers in business or finance. The Illinois College of Optometry was his first choice- and not just because it was close to home! “I think there’s a culture about ICO and Chicago that just can’t be easily replicated,” he says. When it comes to being made at ICO, Dr. Mothersbaugh is most grateful for the clinical experience. At the Illinois Eye Institute, he saw complex cases much earlier than his peers from other schools. He takes pride in troubleshooting patients’ needs, and knows his work is changing lives for the better. Dr. Mothersbaugh chose an academic path after graduation. He returned to ICO to “provide for the students what [he] was fortunate to receive.” As an educator, he strives to teach human interaction alongside eye care. He gives his students independence and autonomy. “I want it to be their patient that I’m assisting with,” he explains. Outside of ICO, Dr. Mothersbaugh is a husband, son, and friend. He enjoys exploring the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, and the life balance earned by going to ICO. “Success, to me, is much more about happiness and quality of life,” he says, “feeling like what I’m doing makes a difference, and feeling like I’ve got my priorities straight.” Listen to the Podcast to Learn More