What Illinois College of Optometry offers and who it serves

Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) is a private optometry school located in Chicago that awards the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. The school operates a four-year professional program and accepts students from across the United States and internationally. Unlike some optometry schools that are part of larger universities, ICO is a standalone institution focused entirely on optometry education and clinical training.

The college serves students who have completed prerequisite coursework and want to become licensed optometrists. Graduates are prepared to conduct eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses and medications, diagnose eye diseases, and manage patient care in various settings—private practices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois College of Optometry requires two years of prerequisite coursework in sciences and mathematics before you can begin the four-year O.D. program.
  • The school uses a rolling admissions process, meaning seats fill as applications are reviewed, so earlier submission typically improves your chances.
  • Tuition and fees are substantial; you should research financial aid options, federal loans, and scholarships specific to optometry education before enrolling.
  • The curriculum combines classroom instruction in the first two years with increasing clinical patient care in years three and four at ICO's on-campus clinic.
  • Graduates must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams and meet Illinois state licensing requirements to practice.

Prerequisite coursework and admission requirements

Before you can enter the four-year O.D. program at ICO, you must complete specific prerequisite courses, typically at a community college or four-year university. These include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses. Most applicants complete these requirements within two years, though some take longer if they are working or attending school part-time.

ICO requires you to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), a standardized exam that measures your knowledge of science and your ability to reason through problems. You register for the OAT through the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) website. The exam typically costs around $400 and is offered multiple times per year at testing centers nationwide.

You will also need to submit official transcripts from every college or university you have attended, letters of recommendation (usually three), and a personal statement explaining your interest in optometry. ICO uses the OptomCAS process portal, a centralized system that many optometry schools use to receive and process applications. You create one OptomCAS account and submit your materials once; OptomCAS sends them to each school you designate.

Rolling admissions timeline and process strategy

Illinois College of Optometry uses a rolling admissions process, which means the school reviews applications as they arrive and makes admission decisions throughout the cycle. Seats fill progressively, so submitting your process early—typically in June or July when the cycle opens—gives you a better chance of acceptance than submitting in November or December.

The process cycle for the fall class typically opens in May or June and continues through the fall. If you are planning to enroll in the fall of a given year, you should aim to have your prerequisites completed, OAT score in hand, and OptomCAS process submitted by summer. Schools often send interview invitations to strong candidates within four to eight weeks of receiving a complete process.

Interviews at ICO are conducted in person at the Chicago campus or, in some cases, virtually. The interview is your opportunity to demonstrate your motivation for optometry, your understanding of the profession, and your fit with the school's mission. Prepare by researching ICO's curriculum, clinical opportunities, and community involvement.

Four-year curriculum structure and clinical training

The Doctor of Optometry program at ICO spans four academic years. The first two years focus on foundational sciences: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, optics, and pathology. You attend lectures and laboratory sessions, and you begin learning clinical skills in simulated environments before seeing patients.

In the third and fourth years, you transition to clinical practice. You see patients at ICO's on-campus clinic under the supervision of faculty optometrists. You perform comprehensive eye exams, manage patients with common eye diseases, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and learn to recognize when a patient needs referral to an ophthalmologist or other specialist. By the fourth year, you take on greater responsibility and see patients with less direct supervision.

Throughout the program, you also complete courses in business management, professional ethics, and public health. Some students pursue additional clinical rotations or electives in specialized areas such as pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, or ocular disease management.

Tuition, fees, and financial aid information

Tuition and fees at Illinois College of Optometry are significant. Annual costs (tuition plus fees) typically range in the range of $30,000 to $35,000 per year, though you should verify current figures on the ICO website, as costs change. Over four years, the total cost of attendance—including tuition, fees, books, equipment, and living expenses—can exceed $150,000.

ICO offers institutional scholarships and grants to admitted students based on academic merit and financial need. The school also participates in the federal student loan program, meaning you can borrow federal Direct Loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized) to cover costs. Many optometry students also use private education loans from banks or credit unions.

Before you enroll, research all funding sources: federal loans, private loans, scholarships from the school, scholarships from optometry organizations, and employer sponsorship if applicable. The ICO financial aid office can provide a financial aid package once you are admitted, showing what grants and loans you are offered.

Licensing and board exam requirements after graduation

After you graduate from ICO with your O.D. degree, you must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams to become licensed. The NBEO administers three separate exams: the Diagnostic and Treatment Exam (Part I), the Clinical Skills Exam (Part II), and the Jurisprudence Exam (Part III). Most graduates take Part I and Part II in the months following graduation and Part III after they have secured a position in a specific state.

Illinois also requires you to obtain a state license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You submit your NBEO scores, proof of graduation, and an process to the IDFPR. Once licensed in Illinois, you can practice as an optometrist in the state. If you plan to practice in another state, you will need to meet that state's specific requirements, which may include additional exams or reciprocity agreements.

Campus location, facilities, and student resources

Illinois College of Optometry is located in Chicago's downtown area, near the Illinois Eye Institute. The campus includes classrooms, laboratories, a patient clinic, and a library. The on-campus clinic serves the Chicago community and provides students with real-world patient care experience throughout their training.

The school offers student services including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. Student organizations related to optometry, public health, and community service are active on campus. Because ICO is a small, specialized school, the student body is tight-knit, and many students form lasting professional networks during their time there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bachelor's degree before I explore to Illinois College of Optometry?

No. You do not need a completed bachelor's degree, but you must finish all prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics). Many students complete these requirements at a community college or as part of their undergraduate studies, then explore while still working toward their bachelor's degree.

What is the average GPA and OAT score of admitted students?

Admitted students typically have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher and an OAT score in the 300–330 range, though these are averages and the school considers your entire process. Check the ICO admissions website for the most recent class profile data.

Can I work while attending optometry school at ICO?

The four-year program is full-time and demanding, especially in clinical years. Most students do not work during the program, though some take part-time positions during breaks or in the first year. Talk to current students and admissions staff about realistic expectations for balancing work and coursework.

Does ICO offer any online or part-time options?

No. The Doctor of Optometry program is a full-time, in-person program. All classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical training take place on the Chicago campus.

What happens if I do not pass the NBEO exams on my first attempt?

You can retake any NBEO exam you do not pass. Most states allow multiple attempts, though some have limits on the number of retakes or the time frame in which you must pass. Check Illinois and your intended practice state's rules before graduation.