Commencement 2024
May 18, 2024, ICO held its 181st Commencement for Illinois College of Optometry at Symphony Hall. We welcomed 121 new doctors into the profession of optometry, including three valedictorians.
This year’s graduates came from fourteen different states and four Canadian provinces. 27 of this years’ graduates will go on to serve as residents across the nation.
Dr. Tracey Matchinski was the Class of 2024’s commencement speaker. Dr. Matchinski has authored over 40 scholarly works and lectured nationally and internationally on low vision rehabilitation. She is active in multiple research protocols, has traveled to 15 countries providing education, rehabilitation, and clinics to patients around the world. Dr. Matchinski has an interest in pediatrics low-vision rehabilitation through Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH), where she has also served as president.
Congratulations, new doctors!
A Look Back
Speaker Highlights:
As someone who has been deeply involved in VOSH for many years, Dr. Matchinski challenged this year’s graduating class to “Do good work. Be kind. Volunteer,” and lastly, “Give of yourself”. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of access to optometric care and how we can’t take this care for granted. She highlighted a few stories of patients she met while participating in VOSH trips in Peru and Ecuador. She reminded the graduating class of the importance of doing good work whether that be in helping a child excel at school because for the first time he can see the board or by helping a grandmother resume activities like reading or sewing. Needless to say, each member of the graduating class has interacted with such stories as student doctors at ICO. Dr. Matchinski highlighted the diversity of the Class of 2024 and applauded them for the profound and meaningful work they have accomplished together.
Her final assignment for the graduating class came in parts. First, “advance the profession of optometry.” While there have already been great strides to advance the field, there is always opportunity for more growth. Dr. Matchinski encouraged graduates to advocate for their profession, get involved in interprofessional healthcare, and to join and support organized optometry. Second, champion health equity and eye health literacy. Everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to achieve their highest level of health. She encouraged the class to find ways to provide care in local communities that offer healthcare to all. Eye health literacy empowers individuals to take ownership of their own level of health. Educating patients is important to overall health and critical to their wellbeing. Next, Dr. Matchinski’s assignment was to “volunteer when and how you can.” While giving money is helpful, giving your time is more meaningful. “Remember, you can always do more than you think you can. You will not regret giving of your time and I guarantee, your life will be better for it.”
All in all it was another wonderful graduation ceremony and we’re so pleased we were able to be a part of it!
More Resources:
Fun Facts:
121 members in the graduating class
19 states represented
5 Canadian provinces represented; and 7 other nations
Over 40% graduated with high honors
$250,000+ in scholarships and awards were recognized at Capstone
