This annual event is an aspiring OD’s dream, with over 40 doctors, vendors, alumni, and optometry professionals Once the presentations are complete, attendees enjoy networking, vendors, and of course, refreshments Attendance is mandatory for first, second, and third year students, but all are welcome. Non-Traditional Practice Practice Management Residency Canadian Practitioners Thanks to a successful trial last year

This annual event is an aspiring OD’s dream, with over 40 doctors, vendors, alumni, and optometry professionals Once the presentations are complete, attendees enjoy networking, vendors, and of course, refreshments Attendance is mandatory for first, second, and third year students, but all are welcome. Specialty/Non-Traditional Practice • Practice Management • Residency • Canadian Practitioners NEW THIS YEAR

ICO’s 19th Annual Practice Opportunities Symposium promises to be the networking event of the year, and Over 30 practitioners will be in the building, plus vendors and panelists from seven states and Canada This year, we will be adding a new feature to POS: podcasting.

always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but for a long time I didn’t know which career was right for me When I learned about optometry, I realized it was the perfect fit for me. I’m moderately myopic, and I vividly remember my optometrist fitting me for contact lenses so that I When I started working at ICO, I realized it sparked other passions in me. Alfred Rosenbloom, got me interested in VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity).

His experiences and sea stories motivated me to see how I could make it part of my own story. For me, it minimized my need to get a job while I was in optometry school and allowed me to focus on Even today, I despise having all eyes on me. Serving in the Navy forced me out of my comfort zone. Having leadership opportunities handed to me and in some ways, forced upon me, pushed me to look within And it led me to feel more confident when applying for certain administrative roles at ICO.

And that’s you. 2nd year student, Rachel Lee, being coated by her mentor Erica Ittner, OD '09 Last year mentors (went) here.” or “After working with multiple ICO graduates, I knew this was the school for me We want to make sure that even more students hear from our phenomenal alumni. 2nd year student, Dayne As one current first year said: “When I saw that ICO reached out to me the most out of the other schools (I knew ICO was right for me.)” 2nd year student, Paul DeLakis, being coated by his father Paul DeLakis

Our residents geared up with their face masks and ready for whatever will come next. ENTERTAINMENT It seems that nearly half binge watched (and would recommend binge watching) Dead to Me white people Selling Sunset Dead to me … I’m just going to stop here – even though there is more, I And very important: "Wear pajamas 24/7!" To our residents coming in: We are excited to see what this year will bring.

I had myopia like so many other kids, and I was intrigued how my optometrist helped me see more clearly I didn't even know that much about optometry, but somehow, I just knew it was the profession for me. teaching the students, the specialty I've gotten into, and the opportunities that ICO has provided me to further explore the opportunity of teaching, and that's when I really decided, "Yes, this is for me For me, that meant getting involved in binocular vision and pediatrics because of my interest in eye

The faculty members all around me inspired me: they practiced optometry, they participated in high-level It's interesting, a lot people ask me "Why ICO?" There are two things that get me really motivated. They have helped get me to where I am today. I also know that my parents work ethic is part of what motivated me to become a doctor.

Shadowing her made me realize optometry was a wonderful way to use science every day. After a few years in New York, my husband proposed, and I returned to Chicago. I've been a student, but I understand there's so much more for me to learn. try all these things out, and then maybe, just maybe, you end up saying, "Oh, actually, this is for me My residency is what ultimately led me back to ICO. I love working in academia.

Back in Canada, they introduced me to the profession. For me, it took me doing a residency at ICO to realize teaching needed to be part of who I am as an optometrist Luckily for me a position opened, and I’ve been here now for three years, I’ve loved every moment of That's what it always comes back to for me. Teaching makes me a better practitioner.

Based on my mentors and learning about the clinical experience was a huge factor for me. I walked out and the whole event had me hooked. “Interview day, immediately. They seemed like people who were already like me and my friends, or people I would want to become friends orientation you didn't focus on the building, you focused on everything you were going to do to help me No other school has a tutor program and that's so special to you guys and was a BIG part in drawing me