The largest and oldest optometry college in the US, training doctors to transform eye care.
ICO awards the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) and Bachelor of Science in Visual Science (B.S.V.S.) degrees. The college offers joint programs with the University of Chicago Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (O.D./M.S. or Ph.D.) and with Illinois Institute of Technology (B.S. in Biology/O.D.). The four-year curriculum integrates classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training from year one, covering common refractive issues to rare sight-threatening diseases. ICO students consistently score above the national average on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).
The Illinois Eye Institute (IEI), located adjacent to the college, serves as the principal clinical training facility. It handles over 85,000 patient visits annually and offers primary eye care plus sub-specialty services including glaucoma, retina-vitreous, neuro-ophthalmic disorders, cornea-external disease, orbit-oculoplastics, pediatrics/strabismus-amblyopia, and low vision rehabilitation. The IEI also houses the Alfred and Sarah Rosenbloom Center on Vision and Aging, Diabetic Eye Center, and Bronzeville Pharmacy, and conducts clinical research on glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cornea and contact lenses, and pediatric eye disorders.
The 366,000+ square foot campus complex in Chicago includes an electronically enhanced lecture center, library, computerized clinical learning equipment, cafeteria, fitness center, and living facilities. ICO serves the South Side community through the Vision of Hope program, which underwrites care for nearly 65% of uninsured/underinsured patients, and operates one of the largest outreach programs in the Chicago area, serving over 7,000 Chicago Public School students annually.
ICO employs a rolling admissions process, evaluating candidates holistically. The college requires specific prerequisite courses and welcomes both domestic and international applicants. The application process includes submission of materials, an interview at ICO, and acceptance. The college offers a new 3+4 accelerated program and an O.D./M.S. dual degree option for enrolled students.