Outreach

Serving both local and global communities.

Illinois Eye Institute

Research Opportunities

During your time at ICO, you will have the opportunity give back to our community, the city of Chicago and the world. Our Faculty and future ODs come together to offer vision care to the underrepresented and underserved. Here are just a few ways ICO students reach out:

Chicago Public Schools

We work with Chicago Public Schools to provide needed eye health and vision care to underserved students through the Lewenson Center at IEI. Our services include eye exams, vision therapy, visual information processing testing, optical coherence tomography, and anterior and posterior segment photos, and eye-movement testing. We also provide myopia management and treatment for various pathologies that can begin in youth.

Vision Screenings

We provide free vision screening services at schools and events in the Chicagoland area.

Junior Olympics

We sponsor sports and vision screenings for the Junior Olympic games each summer. Our students and faculty evaluate each athlete's visual system in relation to his or her particular sport.

Special Olympics

We are also the official provider of eye care for the Special Olympics. ICO students and faculty attend the Opening Eyes and Medfest vision screenings each year and, working with several sponsoring ophthalmic organizations, provide protective eyewear and glasses to athletes free of charge.

Community Outreach

We are invited to participate in health events throughout the community. Some are large fairs others are smaller mobile clinics built specifically for those who otherwise would not have access to health care. ICO students consistently show up for our community and it’s always fun to see them interacting with the many diverse cultures in Chicago.

Mission Trips

Student Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity

One of our most popular clubs on campus is SVOSH. After 25 hours of community service in the Chicago area, students are invited to accompany a practicing OD on mission trips to examine local residents and distribute eye glasses free of charge. Medical referrals are made when needed.