Illinois College of Optometry (ICO)

Description:
The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) provides excellence in optometric clinical education and is one of the world’s leading urban optometric institutions. Since its founding in 1872 by Dr. Henry Olin, ICO has offered aspiring optometrists the education and experience needed to meet the challenges of a changing health care environment and become leaders who will advocate for patients and the profession alike. Located in Chicago, ICO has a long and distinguished legacy as the oldest continually operating educational facility in the world dedicated solely to the teaching of optometrists.

• ICO will utilize strategic enrollment management to recruit and retain qualified students at a time when the ratio of qualified applicants to seats available is in decline nationwide.
• ICO will provide a curriculum that prepares its graduates for the independent practice of contemporary optometry.
• Through the Illinois Eye Institute, ICO will serve our community with high quality eye health and vision care in an environment of education and scholarship.
• ICO will develop a long-term campus master plan that reflects the priorities of the institution and supports the strategic plan goals.
• ICO will develop fiscally responsible financial strategies to meet our mission as a single-program institution.
• ICO will maintain an environment that supports and values all members of our community.

Mission:
The mission of the Illinois College of Optometry is to develop highly qualified clinical optometrists through excellence in optometric education.