Illinois College of Optometry
Chicago, IL3241 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616-3878
312-949-7400
The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) is a private, non-profit educational institution located in the city of Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1872, the college is dedicated to the education and training of optometrists. ICO offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program, as well as graduate programs in vision science and ocular disease. The college is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) and is a member of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).
ICO's four-year OD program consists of didactic coursework, laboratory work, and clinical rotations. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the comprehensive examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). Upon successful completion of the NBEO exam, graduates are eligible to apply for licensure in all 50 states.
In addition to the OD program, ICO offers a Master of Science in Vision Science (MSVS) degree and a Doctor of Philosophy in Vision Science (PhD) degree. The MSVS program is a two-year, full-time program that is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in vision research or academia. The PhD program is a four-year program that is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in vision science or optometry.
ICO also offers a number of continuing education courses for optometrists and other eye care professionals. These courses are designed to keep practitioners up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of optometry.
The college is located on a 9-acre (3.6 ha) campus in the Near North Side of Chicago. The campus includes a library, classrooms, laboratories, and a clinic. The clinic provides comprehensive eye care services to the community, and also serves as a training ground for ICO students.
ICO is committed to providing a quality education to its students. The college has a strong faculty that is dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. ICO also has a number of research initiatives that are aimed at improving the quality of optometric care.
Quick Facts
Enrollment: 531
Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Main Website: https://www.ico.edu/
Financial Aid: https://www.ico.edu/financial-aid