Illinois College Of Optometry

Illinois College of Optometry Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Chicago Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), established in 1872, is the oldest continuously operating optometry school in the United States. Located in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, ICO is renowned for academic rigor, advanced clinical training, and a commitment to community service. Through its Illinois Eye Institute (IEI), one of the Midwest’s largest eye care clinics, ICO serves thousands of patients annually while preparing future leaders in optometric care. This comprehensive guide offers detailed information about ICO’s history, academic offerings, clinical services, visiting hours, tour options, special events, and practical tips for making the most of your visit (ICO About; ICO Visit Guide; Illinois Eye Institute).

Introduction
History and Institutional Overview
Academic Excellence and Accreditation
Community Engagement and Clinical Services
Notable Alumni and Leadership
Campus and Facilities
Clinical Training Experience
Visitor Information
Nearby Chicago Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

History and Institutional Overview

Founded during a critical period for optometry’s emergence as a distinct healthcare profession, ICO set early standards for optometric education. Its curriculum integrated optical engineering and medical science, helping to professionalize the field and recognize optometrists as essential healthcare providers (ICO About). The college’s mission has always included a strong community focus, a tradition that continues today.

Academic Excellence and Accreditation

ICO’s curriculum has evolved to include advanced clinical training, research, and outreach. Accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) and the Higher Learning Commission, ICO’s programs meet national standards for optometric education. The college’s research output is significant, with over 900 publications and nearly 10,000 citations as of 2025, reflecting strengths in medicine, biology, engineering, and vision science (EduRank Publications & Citations).

Community Engagement and Clinical Services

ICO’s urban location at 3241 S. Michigan Ave. enables it to serve diverse and underserved populations in Chicago (ICO About). Its clinical programs merge education with patient care, providing students with hands-on experience while addressing public health needs. The Illinois Eye Institute offers comprehensive eye exams, vision therapy, and specialized care for conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and pediatric vision disorders.

Notable Alumni and Leadership

The college’s alumni network includes prominent figures like Roxann L. Robinson, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates (EduRank Notable Alumni). Under the leadership of Dr. Mark Colip, ICO emphasizes educational excellence and patient care (ICO About).

Campus and Facilities

Layout and Accessibility

ICO’s campus, covering over 366,000 square feet, is designed for both academic and clinical excellence. It features interconnected academic buildings, clinical centers, student housing, and recreation spaces. The main visitor entrance is on Indiana Avenue, where parking is available. The campus is easily accessible via public transit, including the Green Line’s 35th/Bronzeville/IIT station (ICO Visit Guide).

Illinois Eye Institute (IEI)

As one of the nation’s largest optometry clinics, the IEI is the centerpiece of ICO’s clinical training, handling over 85,000 patient visits annually (IEI official). Services include:

Primary Eye Care: Comprehensive exams and vision correction
Sub-specialty Clinics: Glaucoma, retina-vitreous, neuro-ophthalmic disorders, cornea, oculoplastics, pediatrics, low vision
Special Centers: Rosenbloom Center on Vision and Aging, Diabetic Eye Center, Bronzeville Pharmacy
Research: Focused on glaucoma, macular degeneration, cornea/contact lenses, and pediatric disorders (Wikipedia)

Lecture Halls, Laboratories, and Simulation Centers

ICO’s facilities include modern lecture halls, advanced laboratories, and the EyePod simulation center, where students practice clinical skills before treating patients (StandYou).

Library and Study Spaces

The library supports optometric education with extensive resources, digital databases, and dedicated study areas for both group and individual learning (StandYou).

Student Life and Support Facilities

Housing: On-campus residence halls for first-year and returning students (Shiksha Campus Details)
Dining: Cafeteria and kitchens in residence halls; diverse local dining in Bronzeville and South Loop
Fitness and Recreation: Basketball court, fitness equipment, group classes, and lounges for relaxation (StandYou)
Student Organizations: SVOSH, NOSA, Private Practice Club, and special interest groups (StandYou)

Clinical Training Experience

ICO’s clinical education starts in the first year and progresses through advanced diagnostics, specialty rotations, and full-time externships in the fourth year (StandYou). One-year residency programs are available in areas such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, contact lenses, and vision therapy.

The college also offers continuing education and research conferences, including the annual Mullen-Ernest Symposium (ICO Matters).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

ICO Main Campus: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Illinois Eye Institute: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Appointments are recommended for campus tours and clinical observation; clinical services at IEI require an appointment (ICO Visit Guide; IEI Appointment Portal). No tickets are required for general campus visits, but guided tours should be booked in advance.

Tours and Events

Guided Tours: Available by appointment for prospective students and groups. Book online or contact the admissions office (ICO Visit Guide).
Virtual Tours: Options available for remote visitors.
Special Events: Includes the White Coat Ceremony, Practice Opportunities Symposium, commencement, and community outreach events. Details and RSVP information available on the ICO Events Calendar.

Accessibility and Travel Tips

ICO’s facilities are ADA-compliant. The campus is accessible by CTA Red and Green Lines and is a short drive from both Midway and O’Hare airports. Visitor parking is available on Indiana Avenue, but spots may be limited during busy periods (ICO Directions).

Nearby hotels offer discounted rates for ICO visitors (ICO Hotels). Check the ICO website for current health and safety guidelines.

Nearby Chicago Attractions

While visiting ICO, explore local historical and cultural sites:

DuSable Museum of African American History
Museum of Science and Industry
Promontory Point and Burnham Park
Millennium Park, Art Institute, and Navy Pier
Bronzeville District: Known for its vibrant arts and heritage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is ICO located?
A: 3241 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60616.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Q: Do I need tickets for a visit?
A: No tickets are required, but appointments are recommended for tours and clinical services.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, visitor parking is available on Indiana Avenue.

Q: Is the campus accessible?
A: ICO is fully ADA-compliant.

Q: How do I schedule a tour?
A: Book online or contact the admissions office (ICO Visit Guide).

Q: Are special events open to the public?
A: Some events are open to the public and require RSVP or tickets; check the ICO Events Calendar for details.

Conclusion and Call to Action

For over 150 years, the Illinois College of Optometry has led in optometric education, research, and community service. Its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with modern facilities and a dynamic Chicago location, creates an ideal environment for visitors, students, and patients. Whether you seek eye care, educational opportunities, or want to explore optometry as a career, ICO welcomes you.