Location: Microsoft Teams
Meeting Called by: Pre-Optometry Club
Duration: 1 hour
Guest Speaker: Teisha Johnson, Illinois College of Optometry (ICO)
Agenda:
- Teisha gives an overview of ICO. It is the largest and oldest institution solely dedicated to optometry. There is an on-campus Illinois Eye Institute.
- Year 1 overview: 5-6 classes, 20-27 lectures and lab hours. 3 quarters of basic human sciences and lab curriculum. Hands on opportunities: technician and familiarity with instruments.
- Summer opportunities: Accelerated Clinic Program and Summer Research Program
- Year 2 overview: 6-7 classes, 19-27 lecture and lab hours. 3 quarters of clinical sciences and lab curriculum. Patient care begins this year in the spring as does work in the eyewear center.
- Year 3 overview: 4 classes, 20-26 lectures and lab hours. 4 quarters specialty coursework. Weekly patient care in Primary Eyecare Service. Early patient care experiences in Advanced Ophthalmic Care, Cornea/Contact Lens and Pediatrics/Binocular vision. Rotations begin through IEI Princeton.
- Year 4: 4 externship rotations with one in the IEI and one in a VA setting. Mandatory areas of focus: Advanced Ophthalmic Care, Cornea/ COntact Lens, Low Vision Rehab, Peds/Binocular Vision and Primary Eyecare.
- Illinois Eye Institute (IEI): diverse patient base, cutting-edge diagnostics and treatment for complex eye diseases/disorders. 4 Primary Care suites simulate group practice settings, and specialty suits including: low vision, peds, contact lens and cornea and advanced care.
- ICO Residential Center: shared suites, 1-3 bedroom apartments available.
- Student Life: ICOlymics, Quiz Bowl, Eyeball, multicultural night, Boo Bash, Blood Drive, Blindspots, etc.
- Student Orgs: 25+, private practice club, SVOSH (mission trip), Student association, etc.
- Support Services: academic and professional options. Tutoring, note taking services, recorded lectures, counseling, career services, etc.
- Admissions overview: typical requirements (can find specifics on website), OAT amd total science score, ways to develop application and interview techniques (develop strong communication skills, enrich knowledge of profession, acquire strong recommendation letters and determine strengths/weaknesses), etc.
- Checkout: Annual Fall and Summer Optometry Virtual Fair, Focus on Your Future Summer program, shadowing in clinic, etc.