Home • Committed to Your Vision • Primary Eye Care Center Primary Eye Care Center State of the art eye care for all. Wesley Research Center The EyePod Residential Complex Library Gym For over 150 years, we have trained exceptional optometrists. This is in large part because of our wonderful patient base. More than 70% of our patients begin their journey with us in the Primary Care Center. In order to serve our patients and students to the best of our ability we have taken on an ambitious renovation project, implementing the latest in technological advances and state of the art equipment. We will continue graduating outstanding optometrists, but to do so we need to provide them with the best tools to prepare for their and optometry's future. Here is a look at the new Primary Care Center. If you’re interested in donating to the project, please contact development@ico.edu. Innovating to provide better care and training. Throughout IEI, our students work closely with preceptors. There is a need to streamline these consultations and to improve flow throughout the primary care center. New technology and consultation suites will improve efficiency and efficacy. Meeting the needs of our patient population is always the top priority for ICO. Our patient base is complex, and we need the latest technological advances train students to the best of our ability. With 70% of our patients entering the IEI through the primary care center, an investment must be made so that we can continue providing exceptional care. Help us change people's lives and prepare leaders who will change the field of optometry. To learn more about our patients, check out our patient stories .

Lisa Young, OD '05 My Priorities Lisa Young, OD ’05, started out as a “career woman.” She aspired to be the most knowledgeable clinician possible, specializing in glaucoma and taking leadership roles in professional organizations. Of course, she’s more than a clinician. Dr. Young has taken on many titles- world traveler, wife, mother, and mentor. She credits ICO with helping her have it all. The complex cases Dr. Young saw in the Illinois Eye Institute prepared her for the job she has today. At Chicago Glaucoma Consultants, she works on everything from urgent care to post-ops. “Every day feels a little bit different,” she says. No matter what each day brings, though, Dr. Young is always prepared. When she and her husband decided to start a family, Dr. Young’s work-life balance shifted. “Our needs have changed,” she says. As a trusted, essential part of her workplace, Dr. Young was empowered to take a step back for family. “We all have different passions, different priorities, different loves,” says Dr. Young. By being made at ICO, she can pursue the things she values most. Listen to the Podcast to Learn More

Home • Admissions • Funding your O.D. Funding for Illinois College of Optometry Why ICO? Visit ICO Applying to ICO Funding Your O.D. Your Doctor of Optometry degree is an investment in your future. In most cases, this means you will need financial aid to help realize your goals. We know the process can be overwhelming, but we're here to walk you through it every step of the way. Here are a few great places to start. Federal Aid Most students will take out some sort of loans to complete optometry school. There are many options for funding your OD. We have listed the most popular here. Federal Aid Options ICO Scholarships We have access to nearly a half-million dollars in scholarships. First year students have access to scholarships on a "first-come-first-serve" basis (so apply early!) View Scholarship Info Your financial award will cover 100% of your expenses during your journey to O.D. 0% Loan default rate $500K Access to nearly in scholarships. Funding Your O.D. Graduate education is an investment, but you can leave knowing you are well prepared for whatever the future will bring. Explore More Financial Aid Office CONTACT P. 312-949-7445 E. finaid@ico.edu LOCATION Illinois College of Optometry Office of Admissions 3241 S. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60616 CONNECT Mail

Home Consumer Information Institution Grading * Pages 50-53 of the Student Guide The following is the official College grading scale. In special circumstances, faculty members may seek approval from academic administration to use an alternate grading scale, so students should refer to each course syllabus for more details. At ICO, final course grades are calculated exactly as earned according to the grading scale. Grades will not be rounded under any circumstances. Grades issued by the Illinois College of Optometry are: *Applicable only to specifically identified courses. The grades I, IP, H, S, U, W, AS, AU, and NC are not used for calculation of the student's grade point average. For final grades that do contribute to the student’s grade point average, in the case of retaken courses, all grades will remain on the academic transcript, but only the most recent course grade will be included in the student’s grade point average. Special Grade Descriptions I = Course work is not complete. An incomplete grade is issued only when requirements specified in the course syllabus are not completed. An incomplete grade must be removed by the end of the second week of the following quarter (including Summer) or it will automatically be changed to an ‘F’ or ‘U’. Under extenuating circumstances, and only with the approval of the appropriate Assistant Dean or Student Promotions Committee, this time period may be extended up to one (1) year from the date the ‘I’ grade is given. If an extension is granted, the I grade is temporarily replaced by an ‘IP’ grade. W = Authorized withdrawal from course prior to completing all course requirements. AS = Advanced Standing indicates that the student has been exempted from taking a course, as determined by the appropriate Assistant Dean, by virtue of having passed an equivalent course with a grade of ‘B’ or above at another institution or having successfully passed a proficiency examination on this course work at ICO. AU = An ‘AU’ grade is awarded after successful completion of an audit course. Audit courses receive no academic transcript credit, nor is there any tuition assessed for the course. Students are not responsible for exams, assignments/homework, or optional course activities, but they do have full access to the course materials and must attend any required class activities such as labs or recitations and submit any required assessments within the course such as quizzes even though such activities do not contribute to a final course grade. Students may request the course instructor to take course exams for formative feedback. Grade Reports The Registrar’s Office does not provide any grade reports to students. Students may access their grades through Brightspace, Meditrek, and the student portal. Grade Notifications Students are expected to monitor their in-progress and final grades in Brightspace and Meditrek throughout the academic term. Since the ability to continue in the program requires a quarterly and cumulative grade point average of 2.30 or higher, a grade below that level is considered unsatisfactory (‘C’ and below). A student who earns a failing grade (‘F’ or ‘U’) must remediate that failing grade to continue in the program. The opportunity to remediate a failing grade, and the plan for how that may be accomplished, is granted/determined by the Student Promotions Committee. Instructors must submit final course/clinic grades to the Registrar's Office within three (3) College working days of the administration of their final examination or last day of clinic. If a student believes a grade has been assigned in error, they must notify the appropriate instructor within five (5) business days of the grade being posted in Brightspace or Meditrek. If the student does not receive a response from the instructor, the student must contact the appropriate Assistant Dean. In the event the Assistant Dean is unable to respond, the Associate Dean for Academic Assessment and Records should be consulted, and ultimately the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs. The instructor will verify the accuracy of the grade and must submit any grade changes to the Registrar’s Office within five (5) business days of being notified of the error. In addition to Brightspace, Meditrek, and the student portal, students may receive official notices, academic-related or otherwise, via the student’s @eyedoc.ico.edu email account and/or their on-campus mailbox. It is the student’s personal responsibility to check these communication sources for information, particularly toward the end of the quarter when final grade and academic status notifications are distributed. Students are responsible for obtaining grade notification in accordance with the above timetable. It is the student's responsibility to be available to receive grades in a timely manner, including at the end of spring quarter prior to summer vacation or any of the vacation periods, and prior to leaving for externship rotations. This is of utmost importance as student academic standing, promotion and graduation may be significantly affected by delay on the student's part in procuring notice. The Student Promotions Committee will meet as soon as possible at the conclusion of each quarter to review student statuses. Students requesting reconsideration of an SPC decision should be available to meet regardless of indicated student vacation dates.

Consumer Information Home How to File a Complaint with IBHE or the Higher Learning Commission An institution must make available to a student or prospective student contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor and with its State approval or licensing entity and any other relevant state official or agency that would appropriately handle a student’s complaint. Participants in Title IV Federal Financial Aid under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, are required to direct students to a state agency for assistance with unresolved complaints. Related regulations require all Title IV participating institutions, regardless of the origin of their state authorization to operate, to comply with state agency complaint process and to communicate such information publicly. Under Federal rule 34 CFR §600.9 and §668.43(b), Title IV eligible institutions must make available to students or prospective students, upon request, a copy of the documents describing the institution’s accreditation and state authorization. The institution must provide its students or prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor and the state. Students can file a complaint with the state of Illinois via the Illinois Board of Higher Education's (IBHE) Complaint System or to the IBHE at 431 E. Adams, 2nd Floor Springfield, IL 62701-1404 Complaint Hotline: 217-557-7359 . Students can also file a complaint with our accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, using their Complaint Procedures .

ADVISOR'S RESOURCE PAGE Home • Alumni • 150 for 150 Commit to Optometry's Future Home • Alumni • Stay Informed Giving Initatives Your Impact at ICO Gift Planning There are many reasons a doctor of optometry can be a great choice for your students among them work-life balance, a four-year curriculum, earning a comfortable living, and working in a field whose scope is constantly expanding. We’re excited that you and your students are considering ICO and we’re eager to introduce you to our program. On this page, we hope to introduce to both optometry and our school. Apply to ICO Patients Patient Care Optometrists treat so much more than eye diseases. They protect patient's vision and as primary care providers they are often the first to detect diseases ranging from diabetes and hypertension to strokes or tumors. KEY ASPECTS Primary eyecare providers – as primary eyecare providers, optometrists build strong relationships with their patients. They can build bonds as they progress through their practice and many optometrists treat patients over generations. Complex cases – few organs offer as much insight into our overall health as the eye, and many chronic diseases directly affect the eye. Optometrists treat all kinds of diseases from diabetic retinopathy to glaucoma. Patient Care at ICO – we have one of the strongest clinics in the nation. Located on the South Side of Chicago we treat a complex patient base. Students treat challenging ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ conditions with frequency. Our patients are the reason we show up for work every day. They are essential to everything we do. Get to know us through our wonderful patients. GOAL $750K Programs Capital $500K $250K Get to know ICO's Clinic When students join ICO, they will receive an extensive education, with the clinic as their base. To learn more, you can visit the link below. Explore More Students Research & Education Our program is immersive and hands on. At ICO, what you learn in the classroom reflects what you see in clinic. As students’ knowledge deepens, the cases they treat will become more complex. For every stage of a student’s optometric career, they will serve patients with all kinds of diseases and complications. KEY ASPECTS Exclusively Optometry – We are one of only three schools in the nation that focuses exclusively on optometry. There’s no competition for resources at ICO. That means we are more agile, and all of our school’s resources are focused on providing students with the best training possible. Research funding for students and residents – with one of the strongest eye clinics in the nation, there are a lot of research opportunities for students interested in ICO research. There is also funding for national conferences and research opportunities during the summer. A state-of-the-art research facility – allowing us to make advances that will change how we think about dry eye, glaucoma, myopia, and much more. Tailored optometric curriculum – We have an updated curriculum listed online this is a great place to learn more about the optometric curriculum . GOAL $1.5MM Research Center (capital) Scholarships & Awards Programs $800K $500K $200K Expanding the scope of ophthalmic research The Newton K. Wesly Research Center has tripled the size of our current research suite, increasing ICO's ability to conduct ground-breaking clinical research. Explore More Community Our Community We want to commit not only to our students’ vision of the future, but also to that of our community. By that we mean both our student community and the community at large. KEY ASPECTS Student wellbeing and growth – providing a space and resources to promote personal wellbeing and mental health at every stage in their optometric journey. Learn more about these student resources here. Increased representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color on campus – raising awareness of optometry through our newly launched White Coat Project as well as our long-established Focus on Your Future program. Continued support for Chicago Public School children – continuing to serve over 7000 CPS students every year and continuing to be the largest outreach program of any Chicago-area medical institution. GOAL $250K Programs Scholarships $125K $125K Access to nearly a half-million in scholarships There are several scholarships offered exclusively to incoming ICO students. You can learn more below. Explore More Ready to learn more? Apply to ICO

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 • Faculty Research Faculty Research Check the numbers. Courses & Curriculum Student Resources NBEO Scores Faculty Research at ICO Library The expertise of our professors reaches beyond class and clinic. One of the ways ICO faculty stays engaged in optometry is through research. ICO researchers receive support from the National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute and other foundations, such as the National Keratoconus Foundation, Children Care Foundation, Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness, and Field Foundation of Illinois. The College also provides an intramural grant program to support the research of faculty, residents, and students. Publication Lists 2025 – 2024 – 2023 – 2022 – 2021 – 2020 – 2019 – 2018 – 2017 – 2016 – 2015 Current Studies Clinical and Laboratory Research Presentations 2024 – 2023 – 202 2 – 2021 – 2020 – 2019 – 2018 – 2017 – 2016 – 2015 – 2014 Publication Lists 2024 – 2023 – 2022 – 2021 – 2020 – 2019 – 2018 – 2017 – 2016 – 2015 – 2014 Search Clinical & Laboratory Research from ICO General Search Search by Category 16 results Clinical Evaluation of the FIN C2 Lens in Slowing Myopia Progression (The Essilor Study) Investigators: Yi Pang, OD, PhD, Megan Allen, OD, Alaina Bandstra, OD, Denise Skiadopoulos, OD, Elyse Nylin, Study Coordinator Description The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of the FIN C2 spectacle lens on myopia progression. In this study, performance of the FIN C2 spectacles will be compared to single vision spectacle lenses. Participants will be evaluated over a 3 year period. Funded by: A Multi-Center, Double-Masked, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Atropine 0.1% and 0.01% Ophthalmic Solutions Administered with a Microdose Dispenser for the Reduction of Pediatric Myopia Progression (The CHAPERONE Study) Investigators: Yi Pang, OD, PhD, Megan Allen, OD, Alaina Bandstra, OD, Denise Skiadopoulos, OD, Elyse Nylin, Study Coordinator Description The purpose of this research study is to test the safety and effectiveness of atropine 0.1% and atropine 0.01% eye solutions. These drugs are being tested to see if they slow the worsening of nearsightedness. Each of the study drugs will be given as a spray mist using a special dispenser. The dispenser is designed to give low-volume doses of the study drug. The amount of study drug misted on the eye with this dispenser is much less than the amount contained in an eyedrop. In this study, performance of the study drugs will be compared to a placebo that has no therapeutic effect. The placebo eye solution will also be given as a spray mist using the specialized dispenser. This study will evaluate participants over a 42-month long period. Funded by: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Masked, Vehicle-Controlled Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of SYD-101 Ophthalmic Solution for the Treatment of Myopia in Children (The STAAR Study) Investigators: Yi Pang, OD, PhD, Megan Allen, OD, Denise Skiadopoulos, OD, Elyse Nylin, Study Coordinator Description The purpose of this study is to determine if the study drug, SYD-101 eye drops, is safe and effective in slowing the worsening of myopia, compared with a control treatment. SYD-101 is a new formulation of an old drug, atropine, in very low doses of 0.01% and 0.03% concentrations. These drugs are being tested to see if they slow the worsening of nearsightedness. In this study, performance of the study drugs will be compared to a placebo that has no therapeutic effect. The placebo eye solution will also be given in drop form. This study will evaluate participants over a 48-month long period. Funded by: OCT Imaging Investigators: Michael Chaglasian, OD, Brittney Brady, OD, Katie Foreman, OD, Danielle Piser, OD, Anne Rozwat, OD, Patricia Salazar, OD, Navi Sanghera, OD Description This study investigates patients with retinal fluid from a variety of underlying causes, including but not limited: to Age-related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Macular Edema, Diabetic Retinopathy, Central Serous Retinopathy, vein and artery occlusions. The goal is to further refine the OCT segmentation algorithms that assist doctors in reviewing the OCT images. Funded by: OCT Imaging (2) Investigators: Michael Chaglasian, OD, Erica Ittner, OD, Heather McLeod. OD Description This study investigates healthy subjects across a variety of age groups with OCT structural and angiographic imaging. The data will be used in the development of a Reference Data Base for the device. Funded by: Perimetry Investigators: Michael Chaglasian, OD; Anne Rozwat, OD; Brittney Brady, OD; Ashley Speilburg, OD; Patty Salazar, OD Description This study investigates a new device that is utilized for testing the visual field. Healthy subjects will be recruited to perform several tests. Data may be incorporated into a Reference Data Base. Funded by: Perimetry (2) Investigators: Michael Chaglasian, OD, Greta Gregg, OD, Harneet Randhawa, OD, Mallory McLaughlin, OD, Stephanie Koss, OD Description This study investigates a new, Head Mounted device that is utilized for testing the visual field. Healthy subjects will be recruited to perform several tests on each eye and also complete traditional (bowl) automated static perimetry. An analysis of the results from each device will be performed. Funded by: Electrodiagnostics Investigators: Michael Chaglasian, OD; Mary Flynn-Roberts, OD Description This study evaluates a new model of a contact lens used for retinal electrodiagnostics (ERG). Healthy subjects are being recruited to determine the safety and efficacy of the new device. Funded by: Effectiveness of Orthokeratology in Myopia Control Investigators: Jennifer Harthan OD, Yi Pang OD, Ph.D, Valerie Kattouf Description The high prevalence of myopia – especially in Asian countries – is well documented, as are the sight-threatening complications of high or degenerative myopia. Specialty rigid lenses have long been shown to lessen this progression in the pediatric population; orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are worn at night and change the corneal topography to correct low to moderate amounts of myopia. Most of the studies on orthokeratology were conducted on Asian children. Our project seeks to investigate the efficacy of ortho-k in slowing axial elongation and myopic progression in African American (AA) children compared to that in other races. Funded by: Wesley Foundation Scholarship Reducing Adenoviral Patient Infected Days (RAPID) Investigators: Mae Gordon (PI), Leonard Haertter, Julie Huecker, Mary Migneco OD, Andy Hartwick OD, Ellen Shorter OD, Izzy Goldberg, Spencer Johnson OD, Tammy Than OD, Tom Freddo OD; ICO: Jennifer Harthan OD (PI), Christina Morettin OD Description The primary aim of this pilot study is to generate data needed to design a definitive trial to compare the safety and efficacy of standard care with artificial tears vs. Betadine 5% (5% povidone-iodine) for the treatment of pink eye due to adenovirus. There is currently no FDA approved treatment for pink eye, a common and highly contagious eye infection caused by adenovirus. Standard care as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Optometric Association is instillation of artificial tears to relieve symptoms and possibly reduce the virus population. Betadine 5% is a commercially available, broad-spectrum antiseptic ophthalmic solution used for over 50 years to prepare the patient's eye and surrounding area for eye surgery. Because Betadine 5% kills bacteria and viruses, it may be useful in treating adenoviral conjunctivitis. Betadine 5% is inexpensive, safe, widely available, and immune to the development of bacterial/viral resistance. Betadine 5% has the potential to significantly impact the clinical management of "pink eye" worldwide. Funded by: NIH R-34 RAPID Pilot Study Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice: an Evaluation (SCOPE) Investigators: Principal Investigator: Muriel Schornack, OD, Consultant: Joe Barr OD, Co-Investigator for communication: Jennifer Harthan, OD, Co-Investigator for study design: Cherie Nau, OD, Co-Investigator for funding: Amy Nau, OD, Co-Investigator for communication: Ellen Shorter, OD Description Our initial project was to conduct a survey of domestic and international eye care providers self-identified as fitting scleral lenses to assess current global scleral lens practice patterns. The second arm of the study is to execute a multi-center prospective study that will define patient centered outcomes, changes in visual acuity and impact of scleral lens wear on anterior segment structures. Primary purpose or goals: To determine if patients using scleral lenses report improved vision-related quality of life, ocular comfort, and refractive quality of life and to determine visual acuity and ocular surface outcomes for patients wearing scleral lenses. The SCOPE (Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice: an Evaluation) study group was established in 2014 under the auspices of the American Academy of Optometry Fellows Doing Research Special Interest Group. The group comprises national experts in the clinical fitting of scleral lenses who also have academic research interests. Because scleral lenses have only recently become part of mainstream clinical practice, there are significant gaps in our understanding of practice patterns, fitting philosophies and the biological effects of these devices. The goal of our collaboration is to spearhead clinical research in scleral lenses, and to engage clinicians and basic scientists on a global scale. Included in our mission the dissemination of our findings to clinician, industry and patient stakeholders. The Executive Committee members are: Jennifer Fogt, Jennifer Harthan, Amy Nau, Cherie B. Nau, Muriel Schornack and Ellen Shorter. We engage with a vetted network of other experienced scleral fitters interested in assisting with clinical and research projects on an ad hoc basis. Presentations: https://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/departments/academic-departments/ophthalmology-visual-sciences/make-a-gift/scope/ Funded by: Neurosensory Abnormalities in SymptomAtic Ocular Surface Patients (NASA) Investigators: PI ICO: Jennifer Harthan, OD Description Recent evidence suggests that up to 10% of patients with ocular surface symptoms can be characterized as having NCP [8]. The TFOS DEWS II characterization of this diagnosis acknowledges the importance of neurosensory abnormalities in ocular surface disease, but the prevalence of the neuropathic component of dry eye remains unknown. VERSION 2.0: March 4, 2021 Page 7 of 41 Corneal nerves have been shown to respond to topical hyperosmolar saline [12-15], and more recent evidence suggests that 5% hyperosmolar saline causes a larger response in patients with NCP [16]. Assessing the pain levels of patients before and after 5% hyperosmolar saline and topical proparacaine, as described previously, will allow for the identification of the neuropathic component of dry eye and its subtypes. A large, multicenter study will provide prevalence statistics and characterize the demographics for each group. Funded by: Randomized Controlled Multicenter Clinical Trial of Multi-Periscopic Prism Glasses for Homonymous Hemianopia Investigators: Overall PI: Eli Peli; Relying Site Investigator: Tracy Matchinski Description We will conduct a multi-center randomized crossover clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Multi-Periscopic Prisms (MPP) compared to conventional Fresnel peripheral prisms (FPP) as a mobility device for patients with HH. MPPs provided 45° (100Δ) of lateral field expansion for patients with HH while FPP provide 33° (57Δ). We will evaluate the ability of the prismatic devices to improve detection of moving hazards on the side of the field loss. We hypothesize that performance will be better with the MPPs than the FPPs as evidenced by higher detection rates in the pedestrian detection and collision judgment task in our virtual reality (VR) walking simulator. In particular, we predict that the MPP will enable detection of pedestrians at much higher bearing angles on the side of the field loss and thereby protect against the higher risk for such collisions. Funded by: NIH The Effects of Doxycycline on IOP in Patients with Glaucoma and Ocular Surface Disease Investigators: Dominick Opitz, OD, Kathryn Hohs, OD Description The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of an oral antibiotic, doxycycline, on intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. Doxycycline has anti-inflammatory properties and is currently used to treat ocular surface disease (OSD), though there is some evidence to suggest it also has an IOP lowering effect. In our study, mild to moderate open angle glaucoma patients being treated with ophthalmic hypotensive medication who have at least one sign/symptom of OSD are started on a low daily dose of doxycycline (50 mg once a day) for three months. Their eye pressure and signs/symptoms of OSD are evaluated over a six-month period. Funded by: Macro- and micro-vascular function and related cognitive effects in response to dietary exchanges in pre-diabetes Investigators: Stephanie Adams, OD PhD, Darren Koenig, OD, Rebecca Zoltoski PhD, Britt Burton-Freeman PhD, Indika Edirisinghe PhD, Rachael Ellison PhD. Description This nutritional study examines the effects of an 8 week high avocado and mango content diet on pre-diabetic subjects including their vascular function and cognitive performance. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants and has long been associated with potential positive effects in the setting of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Antioxidants protect cells from being damaged by substances that are found in our environment. In collaboration with the Illinois Institute of Technology, ICO investigators are conducting a quantitative examination of micro-vascular retinal health using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA). Retinal micro-vascular abnormalities are detected in subjects with diabetes even in the absence of diabetic retinopathy as determined by dilated eye exam. We hypothesize that the OCTA will detect micro-vascular abnormalities in pre-diabetic subjects compared to control subjects, and that these abnormalities may improve with the intervention diet. The results may support the impact of diet on ocular and brain health even in the pre-diabetic stage. Funded by: Hass Avocado Board, National Mango Board, Research Resource Committee (ICO) Inter-examiner repeatability of the neurolens® Measurement Device, Von Graefe, and prism corrected cover test Investigators: Denise Skiadopoulos, OD, Alaina Bandstra, OD, Valerie Kattouf, OD Description The neurolens® Measurement Device is a diagnostic device that measures binocular vision objectively. This study is an evaluation of the consistency of the current generation neurolens® Measurement Device with existing clinical binocular vision measurements. Funded by:

Home Consumer Information Satisfactory Academic Progress for Federal Student Financial Aid This policy is separate from the ICO academic progress policy program requirements and affects only eligibility for financial aid, and not the ability to continue to be enrolled at the College. Federal regulations require that all students receiving federal Title IV financial aid make satisfactory academic progress towards the completion of the degree program. The requirements set forth for financial aid eligibility must meet the federal requirements and be at least as strict, if not more, than the student’s academic program. As of May 22, 2017 (the start of Summer 2017), ICO’s financial aid office is implementing the following policy to ensure that we are in compliance with the updated federal regulations and that all of our students who are receiving federal financial aid are making appropriate progress towards the completion of the degree. Policy Students receiving federal student financial aid must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.30 at the end of each professional year and complete the degree requirements within six academic years, not exceeding 414.75 credit hours attempted. In addition, students must satisfy all academic requirements to progress academically within the program. Evaluation of Progress The Financial Aid Office will monitor the satisfactory academic progress of all financial aid recipients at the end of each Spring quarter in order to authorize eligibility for the next year. At each review period, the Financial Aid Office will review the student’s cumulative GPA and pace of progression to degree completion to ensure that the student is on track to complete the program within the maximum timeframe. However, at any point in the year, should the SPC review of the student result in the dismissal of the student, eligibility for financial aid is immediately terminated. Should the student appeal the SPC’s dismissal decision and be granted an additional term, the student will still have to complete a separate financial aid appeal. Being reinstated for enrollment at the College by the SPC does not reinstate eligibility for federal student financial aid. Academic Progress: Cumulative GPA The financial aid office will review financial aid applicants/recipients Cumulative GPA’s to ensure that they are in keeping with the 2.30 standard of the College. Any student failing to maintain a minimum 2.30 Cumulative GPA will have their financial aid eligibility suspended. Students will be notified via their “eyedoc” email account. A student may appeal the suspension of their financial aid by presenting an appeal letter and documentation of extenuating circumstances to the financial aid office. This decision and appeal is related to financial aid eligibility only and is independent of any decision made by the SPC and academic program. Academic Progress: Maximum Timeframe As ICO students are enrolled full-time in a cohort based curriculum, students are expected to complete the program within four academic years. Given the manner in which courses are offered, a student must complete fall courses within a given fall quarter; otherwise those courses will generally not be offered until the following fall. In light of this, there are times when the academic program may allow the student to restart the program or repeat a portion of the program in the following year. All students must complete the OD program within 150% of the number of credit hours attempted required to complete their degree (414.75 credit hours) and within a six year span. This means that each quarter enrolled, the student must successfully complete 67% of their attempted hours. At any point where the student is mathematically incapable of completing the program within the 150% timeframe, aid will be suspended. The student may submit a letter of appeal and an academic plan to the financial aid office for consideration. The pace at which the student completes the program is defined as the number of hours earned divided by the number of hours attempted. Electives (which are not required by the curriculum) are not included in the maximum timeframe calculation as they can only be taken in addition to the standard curriculum and with the approval of the Registrar. Incompletes/Withdrawals/Repeated Courses/Transfer Credits All courses receiving an incomplete or withdrawal grade will be counted as hours attempted toward the maximum program time frame. Transfer credits will be counted as attempted and earned hours towards the maximum time frame. Repeated courses will count in the hours attempted calculation. The financial aid office will continue to use the cumulative GPA as calculated by the Office of the Registrar. Appeals for Extenuating Circumstances Recognizing that there can exist health or personal circumstances can affect academic performance, the financial aid office will take these into consideration in reviewing a student’s compliance with our Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. Some of the situations that we will consider include a serious personal or family illness or injury, a death in the family, personal job loss or family financial difficulties that exacerbate other stressors, a new medical or mental health diagnosis, or a learning disability. Within the context of the appeal, the student will need to identify and document the grounds for appeal and identify the steps that they are taking to remedy the situation such as an academic plan, medical or psychological treatment and support, a temporary leave of absence or other manner of moving towards successful mitigation of the prior circumstances. Cumulative GPA If a student has had their financial aid suspended due to a failure to meet the minimum GPA standards, a written and signed appeal must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office before further financial aid can be considered. The letter must explain the extenuating circumstances that have caused the decline in the cumulative GPA and give indication of what steps have been taken to ensure that those factors have been mitigated for future terms. In addition, the student must supply an academic plan, authorized by their academic program, outlining the steps required to remediate the grade point average and identify how progress can be measured at the end of each quarter, if it will take more than one quarter to reach the 2.30 cumulative GPA requirement. In the event that the return to good standing will take longer than one quarter, the academic plan must outline the requirements that the student must meet by the end of each quarter. The academic plan must be satisfied by the end of one academic year. If the student fails to meet the terms of the academic plan, they are ineligible for further financial aid. These appeals must be reviewed and approved by the financial aid office before further federal financial aid can be received. Maximum Timeframe If a student has had their financial aid suspended due to exceeding the maximum timeframe standard, a written and signed appeal must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office before further financial aid can be considered. The letter must explain the extenuating circumstances that have caused the need to extend the program in either time or number of hours and also give indication of what steps have been taken to ensure that those factors have been mitigated for future terms. In addition, the student must supply an academic plan, authorized by their academic program, outlining the remaining coursework required and the schedule in which it must be completed. These appeals must be reviewed and approved by the financial aid office before further federal financial aid can be received. SPC Actions Taken Before The End Of Spring Quarter Since the SPC reviews continued eligibility to enroll in the program, should the SPC dismiss a student from the program at any time, financial aid eligibility automatically terminates at the time of the dismissal. In cases where the student appeals the SPC decision, and the SPC appeal is granted, the student must still appeal to the financial aid office for continued eligibility. The student must document any extenuating circumstances and how they have been mitigated. The financial aid office will review the appeal and make a determination about the financial aid status, independent of the SPC decision. The financial aid office would use the SPC action plan as the requirements necessary to maintain financial aid should the financial aid office find cause to grant the appeal. Failure to meet the SPC terms at the end of the financial aid appeal quarter results in immediate suspension of eligibility for continued aid until the student returns to good academic standing in the program. The student is responsible for all tuition and fees incurred should they enroll while on financial aid suspension. These must be paid in full each quarter where financial aid is suspended. If the SPC dismisses the student with the option to return in a future term, financial aid eligibility terminates with the dismissal. The student must still appeal to the financial aid office for continued eligibility. The student must document any extenuating circumstances and how they have been mitigated. The financial aid office will review the appeal and make a determination about the financial aid status, independent of the SPC decision. The financial aid office would use the SPC action plan as the requirements necessary to maintain financial aid should the financial aid office find cause to grant the appeal. Failure to meet the SPC terms at the end of the financial aid appeal quarter results in immediate suspension of eligibility for continued aid until the student returns to good academic standing in the program. The student is responsible for all tuition and fees incurred should they enroll while on financial aid suspension. These must be paid in full each quarter where financial aid is suspended. Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Statuses Good Standing: The student is meeting both the 2.30 cumulative GPA requirement at the end of Spring quarter and is on track to complete the program within the allowable time frame. Probation: The student has been granted an appeal of their satisfactory academic progress and is working on the agreed upon remediation plan. The student will be evaluated each quarter based upon the terms of the academic plan. If the student meets the requirements of the academic plan, they will continue to be eligible for financial aid. If the student fails to meet the requirements of the plan, further financial aid will be suspended. An appeal is required before further financial aid can be considered. Suspension: The student has been dismissed by the SPC; has failed to meet the SPC action plan during a financial aid appeal quarter; or has failed SAP review by the financial aid office when either their cumulative GPA fall below 2.30 at the end of Spring or the student not able to mathematically complete the program within the required timeframe. An appeal is required before further financial aid can be considered. In the event that aid has been suspended after a prior financial aid appeal, a return to good academic standing is required before further aid can be considered, regardless of the SPC decisions. The student is responsible for all tuition and fees during a suspension of financial aid eligibility and must satisfy their financial obligations with the College prior to the end of the enrolled quarter.

Make a Gift Home • Alumni • 150 for 150 Commit to Optometry's Future Giving Initatives Your Impact at ICO Gift Planning Class of 2020s The pandemic changed many things at ICO, but our commitment to patients and student always remained our focus! Revisit This Decade Class of 2010s The era of Facebook and generations of iPhones. At ICO, we updated our infrastructure, including the lecture center, the Rosenbloom center, and the Lewenson center. Learn More Class of 2000s The EyePod was built and the very first ICO Matters was published! Outside of ICO, low-rise jeans and crop-tops and iPods were everywhere. Revisit This Decade Class of 1990s ICO Olympics, BooBash, Practice Opportunities Symposium, and Eyeball were all pillars of life at ICO during the 1990s. Revisit This Decade Class of 1980s More and more women were choosing to pursue optometry, and the medical model of optometry was on the rise. Revisit This Decade Class of 1970s ICO celebrated its centennial. Government funding allowed ICO to expand their facilities which included acquiring a VER computer! Revisit This Decade Class of 1960s The Eye Clinic opened for business! The profession of optometry was affirmed by the legal and academic recognition of Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. Revisit This Decade Class of 1950s Illinois College of Optometry is born June 10, 1955, from the union of two different optometry schools: NICO and CCO. Revisit This Decade For a detailed view of ICO's full 150 year history! History of ICO 1940 and earlier

Home • Pre-Health Advisors Resource Page Pre-Health Advisors Resource Page for Illinois College of Optometry Why ICO? Contact ICO Shadow an Optometrist How to Apply Connect Students With Their Future Whether your student is already committed to optometry or is simply exploring health career options, we have resources to assist you. The links and questions below can help you learn both about optometry and ICO: Optometry as a Career What is a Doctor of Optometry? The American Optometric Association defines Doctor of Optometry as the independent primary health care professional for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. Doctors of Optometry prescribe spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and medications. They provide specialized care in low-vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, and pediatric vision, and perform certain surgical procedures. Optometrists counsel their patients regarding surgical and nonsurgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations, and lifestyles. Source: FutureEyeDoc.org What's life like as an optometrist? One thing that we hear repeatedly from our alumni is just how diverse the optometric experience is. As an optometrist students might open their own private practice or work at a Veteran Affairs office. They could be teaching and precepting future optometry students or they might be treating children in a vision rehabilitation clinic. There are just so many options. You can do all this while building a life you love. The work/life balance of an optometrist is a big reason why students choose a career in optometry. To explore a few of these career paths we recommend you visit Made at ICO and our online viewbook . Why have others chosen optometry? There are several reasons why students choose optometry, but usually it is a combination of three factors: They want to have an impact on their community, and they believe that treating those with visual impairments empowers those individuals. They are attracted to the work/life balance aspect of optometry. Optometrists in most cases have a much more reasonable schedule than many other health care professions. The starting salary and salary thereafter is significantly higher than the national average. According to the AOA, the average net income of an optometrist in 2021 was around $168,193. Another big reason optometrists love what they do is because of the strong doctor-patient relationships that optometrists have. Optometric patients are loyal, and they often stay with the same doctor for years and even decades. With frequency the bond between the patients and the doctors grows. At the IEI, that’s a big reason doctors come back. To hear some of our patient stories, we recommend viewing our It’s More Than Just Eyes videos. About ICO Why ICO? We exclusively teach future doctors of optometry, meaning our curriculum is built with optometrists in mind. As one of the largest optometry schools in the nation, we have a diverse array of faculty with different specializations. Our students also score well above average on the national board exams. This is in large part because of our rich clinical experience that we provide throughout a student’s optometric education. To get a better understanding of how we have built our curriculum, please visit our courses and curriculum page. What are ICO students like? One thing we hear over and over again is how much of a sense of a community there is between our students. Students are not here to compete against one another, but rather to support and to encourage one another on their optometric journey. Throughout our students’ four years, they frequently interact with both upper and lower classmen. Through our student success center, upperclassmen serve as academic coaches and tutors and. Students also interact with in the clinic. For example, during the Clinical Assistant Program first years follow third years. Many students say it’s a fantastic way for them to see just how far they will have advanced in only a few years! Like our doctors and preceptors, our students are committed to our patients, and we often hear that they chose ICO specifically because of our rich clinical experience. To learn more about student life, we recommend visiting our In Chicago page . What is the clinical experience like at ICO? Our clinical experience is one of the things we are most proud of at ICO. We get students into clinic within the first quarter of their first year. By the second year, they have acquired the needed skills and will perform eye exams on their own. We also work hard to ensure that students are prepared for what they encounter in the clinic. We do this by ensuring that there is significant crossover between what students learn in the classroom and labs and the patients they encounter in the clinic. Given our location, we treat an underserved population, and our patients come with all types of issues from common refractive issues to sight-threatening diseases. Our location is critical to providing our students with world class clinical education. To learn more about our clinical experience. We highly recommend visiting our page In the Clinic. How does ICO prepare their students? 2022 marks our 150th anniversary. That means we have been preparing optometry students for nearly 150 years. As optometry has advanced and become more clinical, we too have become more focused. The combination of excellent faculty, state-of-the-art equipment and an immersive and rich clinical experience means that we prepare students very well both for the NBEO and for whatever type of practice students wish to pursue afterwards. Our long history also means we have the largest optometry alumni network in the US. Students connect with alumni both during Homecoming and during the Practice Opportunities Symposium – our yearly networking event. However, our alumni are ready to walk with our students from shadowing through when they are out in practice as ODs. Our externship program is also exceptional. Few optometry schools have as many externship opportunities as ICO. This allows students to explore the many specialties and modalities they might be interested in as optometrists. What is optometry school really like? Optometry school is a professional health degree program, and there is no denying it will be a lot of hard work. That being said, students will have a strong support network and they will have faculty working closely with them both in the clinic and in the classroom to ensure that they get the support needed to succeed as optometrists. To learn more about life at ICO and optometry school in particular, we recommend visiting the ICO Difference page on why.ico.edu. What degrees does ICO confer? Students who pass all four years of optometric training will graduate with a doctor of optometry degree. This, along with passing the National Board of Examiners in Optometry will allow citizens to practice as an optometrist in the United States. In rare instances, we also have students join ICO before completing their undergraduate degree. Students who apply for this degree and meet the required pre- requisites will also graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Vision Sciences. What is the Bachelor of Science in Visual Science (BSVS) degree? The BSVS degree is available only to those students who entered ICO without a bachelor’s degree. However, the BSVS Degree is not a terminal degree and does not connote graduation from the Illinois College of Optometry. The degree is only awarded with the Doctor of Optometry degree at Commencement, and it requires an application available from the Registrar’s Office. The BSVS degree includes humanities, social studies, and human-related biological sciences courses taken at the undergraduate level in combination with courses taken within the ICO curriculum. Requirements for the BSVS degree can be viewed here. More details regarding eligibility are available on the application and within ICO's Student Guide. Application Process What courses are needed before applying? To review our pre-reqs, we recommend students visit our “Due Dates and Pre-Reqs" page. How do students apply to ICO? For students interested in applying to ICO, we recommend that they visit the “How to Apply” page on why.ico.edu which gives students step-by-step instructions on how to apply. How do international students apply? The application process as an international student is very similar to the normal application process and we recommend starting on our “how to apply” page . There are a few additional steps required as international students. We recommend they also visit the International Admissions page. What happens after applying? Once you apply, a student’s application will be processed in 1-2 weeks. They will then be invited to an interview. If they are interested in learning more about the interview process, we recommend visiting our interview day page. Financial Aid What courses are needed before applying? For a breakdown of costs and how to fund your education we recommend visiting our Cost of Attendance page. For a full breakdown of four years, you can also our Consumer Information page. How do students apply to ICO? We have access to nearly $500k in scholarships and work hard with students to ensure they take out the most reasonable loans possible. To get a better understanding of scholarships and federal aid, we recommend visiting our federal aid pages and our scholarships page. Living in Chicago What's it like living in Chicago? We recognize that students in a professional degree program want a life outside of the classroom and the clinic. In this way, Chicago has so much to offer. As the third largest city in the United States, it has everything a big city has: great coffee shops, Michelin-starred restaurants, and of course the lakeshore path that moves up and down Chicago. The other thing students quickly realize about Chicago is that there is so much more to Chicago beyond downtown. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and allows students to set up their life in a specific neighborhood where Chicago can quickly feel like home. One of the best ways for students to get a better understanding of what student life in Chicago is like is to follow our Instagram page. Where we have had many takeovers and often post about our favorite places. What's it like on campus? One of the big reasons students choose to go to ICO is because everything is conveniently located next to one another. Within five minutes you can access labs, clinic, and the classroom. We are also close to downtown. In three public transit stops, students can be soaking up those downtown views. There are so many reasons to choose ICO. To learn more about Life in Chicago we recommend visiting our Living in Chicago page and our page dedicated to student life in Chicago. Connect with ICO Is ICO visiting a place near me? If your students are interested in learning more about ICO, there is no better way to connect than to speak with one of our admissions advisors. To see when ICO might be visiting your school, you can visit our recruitment events page. Can I visit ICO? If you or your student is interested in visiting ICO, we are always happy to host. The best place to start planning your trip is on our how to visit page. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to us at admissions@ico.edu . Can I talk to a practicing optometrist? For those students who are interested in shadowing an optometrist before they apply to ICO, we are happy to connect them with one of our graduates. If students would like to shadow an optometrist, please have them fill out this form. Additional External Resources The Optometry Admission Test (O.A.T.) OptomCAS: One-stop applicatin for optometry school American Academy of Optometry (AAO) American Optometric Association (AOA) The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)

Home • Events • Commencement Commencement Congratulations, doctors! White Coat Ceremony White Coat Project Practice Opportunities Commencement Homecoming There is no bigger day of the year for us than commencement. After four years of hard work, we celebrate ICO’s newest doctors of optometry. Class of 2026 Commencement Watch the ceremony on May 16, 2026 at 10:00am by clicking the button below. Watch Now Please join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 at ICO’s 183rd Commencement. Our students will enter the profession as doctors, surrounded by the support of loved ones, friends, and the entire ICO family. This year’s ICO Commencement will again be held at Chicago’s iconic Symphony Center. Bookmark this page and check back frequently for updated information. Where: Symphony Center 220 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60604 When: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 a.m. Guests with tickets may enter Symphony Center at approximately 9:10 a.m. on a first come basis. (Any child or car seat occupying a seat will need a ticket.) At approximately 9:45 a.m., guests without tickets will be allowed seating as it is available. Beginning at 9:55 a.m. seating on the main floor will be inaccessible until after the student and faculty processions have concluded. Seating will be available on the 3rd floor the entire time. For your planning purposes, the Ceremony lasts approximately 90 minutes. Please note that the Symphony Center does not allow balloons, oversized posters (ie, "fat heads"), and loud noise makers at their venue. Public Transportation Symphony Center is conveniently located near several Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), train and bus stations. The Adams/Wabash CTA train station (Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink lines) is located one block west. Buses that service the area include routes 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 26, 28, 126, 143, 147 and 151. Metra provides service to many suburbs, departing from four downtown stations. Parking: There are many parking garages nearby. The Grant Park South Garage is located at 325 South Michigan Avenue and has direct access to Symphony Center. Look for signs in the garage to identify the best exit to access Symphony Center. For discounted parking, try apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero on your smartphone. Photography: Feel free to sit back and enjoy the festivities - we’ll have photography covered! A professional photographer will be capturing each graduate’s big moment on stage as they receive their diploma. ICO provides one portrait to each graduate at no cost of this picture. A formal group picture will also be taken. A gallery of candid photos will also become available on our Flickr page . Personal photography is allowed, but due to a very strict fire code, please do not step out of your seat or block aisles. Social Media: We’ll be posting Commencement news and pictures to ICO’s Instagram throughout the day. Be sure to tag us and we'll make sure to repost! Live Streaming: For loved ones who cannot attend Commencement in person, ICO will be live-streaming the ceremony on our Facebook page and YouTube channel . You can visit the page at 10 a.m. on May 18 to join in the celebration. Additional Questions? Please contact Debra Albers in the Student Affairs Office with any questions. She can be reached at dalbers@ico.edu . A Look Back Class of 2026 Flickr 104 members in graduating class over 30% graduated with high honors Relive past commencements Relive Past Commencements Commencement 2024 Look back on this year's commencement ceremony by clicking the link below. Go to Archive Commencement 2023 Look back on this year's commencement ceremony by clicking the link below. Go to Archive Commencement 2022 Look back on this year's commencement ceremony by clicking the link below. Go to Archive Commencement 2021 Look back on this year's commencement ceremony by clicking the link below. Go to Archive

Home Consumer Information Estimated Cost of Attendance (2022 - 2023) You might notice years 1 and 4 are 9-month years while years 2 and 3 are 12-month years. This means the total cost reflects an extra quarter of tuition and living expenses. Year 1 Direct Educational Expenses $52,481 Living Expenses Total: $25,290 or $2,810/month Year 2 Direct Educational Expenses $68,778 Living Expenses Total: $33,720 or $2,810/month Year 3 Direct Educational Expenses $62,048 Living Expenses Total: $33,720 or $2,810/month *NBEO EXPENSES Year 4 Direct Educational Expenses $37,310 Living Expenses Total: $25,290 or $2,810/month *NBEO EXPENSES