Wow. I really cannot believe it. I really cannot believe it, and I'm not trying to sound hyperbolic. I still can't believe that after all these years I've finally graduated from ICO and have become a Doctor of Optometry. Granted, it's only been a couple weeks, but even still it doesn't feel real. I've been in school for basically my whole life, and now it's finally over. It almost seems like I'm just home for another summer break and will be back to school in the fall, but for the first time in my life that won't be the case. Trying to look back on this whole journey, from undergrad up to my s ..read more

This year, I had the incredible opportunity of traveling to Fort Worth, TX to attend the Alcon Academy for Eye Care Excellence. Every year, third- and fourth-year optometry students are invited by Alcon, in an all-expenses paid trip, to their headquarters in Fort Worth to learn about the latest technology in contact lenses and other products. I was able to learn so much on this trip and it was a nice little break from long weeks of clinic and classes. I started off my trip by arriving in Dallas, which is a short drive from Fort Worth. I decided to fly in a little early to allow for time to ex ..read more

This August, a group of us traveled to St. Lucia on a SVOSH (Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) humanitarian trip. Throughout the week, we provided comprehensive eye exams, glasses, medications and referrals to an on-site ophthalmologist for SLT and PRP procedures. I find it very difficult to express how this trip impacted me in a paragraph or two. Even after doing a lot of volunteer work here in Chicago, there was no way I could’ve anticipated the impact this trip would have on my life. Growing up in Canada and now living in the States, I always felt like I didn’t have enough ..read more

The time has come for us third year students to choose our externship sites for fourth year! Fourth year education at ICO consists of gaining real-life experience in clinic. That means no more learning inside of the classroom. During our fourth year, we work at four sites. We gain experience in different practice settings and interact with a diverse patient population. Dr. Elyse Chaglasian, our former Assistant Dean for Community Based Education and International Programs, talks more about the externship experience here. As a third-year student who's starting to set foot in the IEI's specialt ..read more

We are continuing with our tradition of writing a few quick words of advice for incoming students. After having been through a year at ICO these second year students know a thing or two about succeeding at ICO... So we'll let them take the stage from here: Scheduling and organizing your day for optimum success, Edem Jongue: Hello, ICO Class of 2025! We at ICO are thrilled that you are now part of our academic family. I am sure that each one of you look forward with great anticipation to a year of tremendous student success. Allow me to share a few time management tips that have helped me in m ..read more

I’ve been fortunate to use this blog as a platform to spotlight individuals at ICO who have inspired me in some way and who have something we could all learn from. Today, I would like to introduce you to a member of ICO’s Food Services team, Larry Sr. Larry usually serves me dinner at the ICO cafeteria. During the past year when I’ve had the chance to interact with him, I’m always in awe by the amount of positive energy he radiates. I’m sure my second-year colleagues and others who have had the chance to interact with him can attest to this. Another thing that never fails to lift my spirit whe ..read more

Soon after I started my first year at ICO, I started to look forward to my last summer break which would take place between my first and second academic year. Throughout the school year, it is hard to make time to go out and travel. Breaks are usually spent preparing for the next exam or relaxing after a long quarter of hard work. I think it is safe to say that most of my classmates had plans to enjoy this summer to the fullest before we would spend the next three years without any summer breaks. Personally, I had planned a trip to Turkey and Dubai with my family. Soon after my first year at ..read more

Preparing for the big move to Chicago a year ago, I had no idea I would finish my first year of optometry school in my house in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Then again, I guess no one predicted these circumstances. The excitement I experienced at the beginning of the year flipped to dismay when the orders to go home were delivered. The uncertainty of how my education would proceed and the uncertainty of the world weighed on my mind. Having to switch from in-person to online learning was challenging to say the least. Ever since undergrad, I viewed coming home as a “get-away.” Home was a p ..read more

Last year, around this time, I was putting together a list of items I would need for the move to the Residential Complex (RC). The RC is the on-campus housing available at ICO. Because this was my first time moving away from home, I didn’t have much knowledge on what to take with me. I came with essentials and bought more things as time went by. I've come up with a guide for any incoming first years who will be living in the RC or in any off-campus housing. These are some of the items I felt were must haves for living away from home, particularly in the RC. Mattress Topper If you are going to ..read more

When entering graduate school, you may be wondering what supplies you will be needing and how similar it is to undergrad. Here at ICO, your schedule will be very fast paced and any time you can save by being prepared before you start school, will be very beneficial. Almost everything at ICO is digital, including notes, exams, and some textbooks. Based on my experience, I've come up with a comprehensive list to the only school supplies I needed which made my life a little bit easier. Some of these may depend on your personal preference and you may need to experiment a little on what is right f ..read more