Now researchers at the Illinois College of Optometry have concluded that birth order can also affect In the first known study of its kind, researchers have concluded that first-born children tend to have Changes in visual function can have an effect on academic performance. “Very often, kids don’t know they can’t see properly, and they won’t tell their parents they have trouble

Everyone is required to have their temperature checked daily upon entry to our buildings. Everyone entering our buildings are required to wear approved masks (vented masks and bandanas are prohibited We have suspended all College business-related travel through December 31, 2020. No-touch door openers have been installed on many restroom doors. We have suspended use of our facilities by all off-campus groups.

This is in part because I myself have experienced its incredible impact. was fascinated by the idea of helping people improve their vision and the impact that good vision can have It's a bond that I cherish deeply, and I feel truly grateful to have made such wonderful friends during I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that I have had in my career and the people who have supported (And your specific area of optometry) Low vision rehabilitation is all about helping people who have

ICO recently closed on the refinance of its long-term bond debt and locked in substantial savings for Why does the college have bond debt? Well, ICO was founded over 140 years ago, and over the years, the college and its facilities have required The debt was incurred to keep pace with what has been needed to support a very competitive program. When people hear the word “debt” it tends to have a negative connotation; can debt be a positive thing

And one resident, well they were in the US far away from their family so they have quite a few TV shows there is more, I was stuck in the States with nothing better to do other than refresh my Visa update page But it also meant it gave them time to restart meditating and yoga, time to snuggle with their beloved It also gave them an opportunity to: “Become more organized and take on tasks that they had been putting SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT To our outgoing residents, we heard from your residency coordinators how well you have

I still can't believe that after all these years I've finally graduated from ICO and have become a Doctor It feels like I've lived several lifetimes, and at long last I have the time and space to just sit with I will surely continue to be tested in these ways for the rest of my life, but having finally made it I couldn't have asked for a better city to live and study in, and I couldn't have asked for better people to have shared that city with.

says, becoming an OD "is something completely attainable" ... you'll "have the resources and the support needed" and of course, "we'll have mentors for (you) as well." She says, “Though the society may not believe in you, don’t forget about the rich culture that you have They don't just have to do what they see others doing." Looking for more resources? If you have specific questions, reach out to Teisha Johnson at tjohnson@ico.edu.

We have a lot of students who choose to stay on to do a residency at ICO, why do you think that is? Yes, we have a really high percentage of ICO students who apply to our ICO on-campus programs as well The faculty chime in on how they might have approached the case or how they would have treated the patient Our ophthalmologists love to do surgery and want to do surgery, and, they would rather have us do the as long as I have, having worked with the students and faculty for as long as I have, I've made wonderful

Over the years, there have been a lot of changes. We’ve completely changed how we teach. Now, we have videos that show how to do a lot of vision therapy procedures. Something really important about ICO is that we have a long history. So, we have a lot of experience in optometric education. We have a lot of very experienced faculty, and I think that can set us apart.

So, I feel that I have an important role here. How have you seen ICO and optometry grow since you arrived at ICO? I also think the students have changed quite a bit. They also have a lot to learn before they get into full-time patient care. They have to be good time managers, and they have to put in the work every day.

“Her leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on the Illinois College of Optometry and on optometric A search for a new Academic Dean will commence in July 2026 with the intention of having a new Dean in

Both the IOA and the AOA have given me a good perspective of what optometry is like outside of academic When I think back to what we were able to practice when I graduated, it’s amazing to see how much we have How have you seen ICO and optometry grow since you arrived at ICO? The students have changed quite a bit. It's a career that I have never regretted for a minute.