-
Doctor of Optometry - IL
- 5 Things to Know About Optometry & How MWU Can Give You An Advantage
- Commencement Ceremony
- Admissions
- Articulation Agreements
- Continuing Education
- Course Catalog
- Dual Acceptance Program
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Optometry Careers
- Our Faculty
- Prospective Preceptors
- Current Preceptors
- Newsletters
- Scholarships
- Summer Pre-Optometry Program (SEE at CCO)
- Contact Us
Build a Successful Career
With a strong foundation in the basic and visual sciences, the Chicago College of Optometry offers students the skills needed for success. A low student-to-faculty ratio helps ensure that you will receive individualized attention and mentorship from faculty who are experts in their field. Throughout the program, our caring faculty will guide you through the application of scientific principles to diagnose and manage eye disorders. You will also benefit from extensive patient care experiences under the supervision of skilled clinical optometry faculty.
Program
Doctoral
Location
Downers Grove, IL
Duration
4 years, full-time
Intake
August
Class Size
60
The Chicago College of Optometry awards the degree Doctor of Optometry upon successful completion of the four-year professional curriculum in optometry. The first and second years of the curriculum emphasize basic health sciences, optics and visual science and students are introduced to clinical practice in simulation laboratories, through introductory courses and clinical experiences. Visual consequences of disease are introduced in the second year. The third year, divided between a didactic and clinical setting, emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of ocular dysfunction and disease. The fourth year is intensive clinical training that will include both on campus and off campus externship rotations. Clinical settings for external rotations may include military facilities, veteran administration hospitals, public health service hospitals, and specialty and/or private practices or clinics.
- Basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences
- Preclinical simulation labs
- Licensing board simulation rooms
- Community clinical rotations
- National boards preparation courses
- Optometry business management courses
- Local and national external rotation sites
- Contemporary optometry practice curriculum and clinical settings
- Interprofessional education and clinical experience
Mission
The mission of the Chicago College of Optometry is to develop competent individuals who embrace lifelong learning through the pursuit of excellence in education, research, scholarship, and patient care for a diverse society. The College’s educational programs emphasize and promote public health, leadership, ethics, professionalism, compassion, commitment, collegiality, and sense of community.
Vision
The vision of the Chicago College of Optometry requires the College to:
- Deliver an exceptional optometric education experience utilizing our unique multi-health professional setting and cutting edge technology.
- Provide our students with the knowledge and skills to deliver the highest level of professional, ethical and compassionate eye and vision care.
- Recruit qualified students; promote lifelong learning, community outreach, and innovative research; and develop leaders in the profession and communities.
Goals
The goals of the Chicago College of Optometry address teaching and learning, research and scholarly activity, and community and public service:
- Deliver a comprehensive Doctor of Optometry degree program that prepares graduates for contemporary practice and encourages and fosters advanced training in order to serve the interests and needs of the broader community.
- Present an innovative optometry program with faculty committed to learning and teaching the current research and evidence based medicine applications using technologies to provide an exceptional educational experience for students.
Develop and support the faculty and students in their commitment to research and scholarly activities and excellence in patient care.
- Graduate students who have achieved the learning outcomes as defined by the faculty.
- Improve patient care through promotion of interprofessional educational programming and the Midwestern University One Health Quality Initiative.
- Foster a commitment to professional, collegial, and ethical practices in patient care while promoting public service to diverse communities.
- Develop a high quality program appropriate for optometry residents in an affiliated or Midwestern University-sponsored accredited optometry residency site.
- Serve the eye and vision healthcare needs of Downers Grove and neighboring communities through the Midwestern University Eye Institute.
- Provide and encourage lifelong learning and support services to the optometric profession.
- Develop leaders in the optometric profession and the healthcare community.
The Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry will pursue the following goals:
Deliver a comprehensive Doctor of Optometry degree program that prepares graduates for contemporary entry-level practice and encourages and fosters advanced training, in order to serve the interests and needs of the broader community. Present an innovative optometry program with faculty committed to learning and teaching the current research and evidence based medicine applications, and using technologies to provide an exceptional educational experience for students. Develop and support the faculty and students in their commitment to research and scholarly activities and excellence in patient care. Graduate students who have achieved the learning outcomes as defined by the Faculty. Improve patient care through promotion of interprofessional educational programming and the Midwestern University One Health Quality Initiative. Foster a commitment to professional, collegial, and ethical practices in patient care while promoting public service to diverse communities. Develop a high quality program appropriate for optometry residents at an affiliated or Midwestern University sponsored accredited optometry residency site. Serve the eye and vision healthcare needs of Downers Grove and neighboring communities through the Midwestern University Eye Institute. Provide and encourage lifelong learning and support services to the optometric profession. Develop leaders in the optometric profession and the healthcare community.
Program Improvements
Planned improvements include development of additional external rotation sites that allow students to gain experience with medically disadvantaged patients, embedded assessments for program improvement, and development of specialty practices in the MWU Eye Institute.
The Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry has been granted the accreditation classification of "Accredited" as of December 2, 2020 by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), of the American Optometric Association (AOA), 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141-7881; phone 314-991-4100.
Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), located at 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413; phone 312/263-0456.
18% projected increase in optometry jobs by 2026*
$140,913 average net income for optometrists in 2016**
*According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Optometrists
**AOA Survey of Optometric Practice, updated January 2018 (https://optometriceducation.org/, last accessed 10/2/2018)
Chicago College of Optometry Admission
CCO considers for admission those students who possess the academic, professional, and personal qualities necessary for development as exemplary optometrists. CCO uses multiple criteria to select the most qualified candidates including cumulative and science grade point averages (GPAs), entrance exam scores (e.g. OAT), personal experiences and character, ability to communicate, familiarity with the profession, volunteer/community involvement, research experience, and other considerations. CCO uses a rolling admissions process.
Admission Requirements:
Students seeking admission to the Chicago College of Optometry must submit the following documented evidence:
- A minimum cumulative GPA and science coursework GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. A B.A. degree is acceptable, but a B.S. degree is preferred.
- Results of one of the following admission tests. Applicants must submit scores from one of the following admission tests: Optometry Admission Test (OAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). A competitive test score (at least at or above the mean score for each exam) is recommended of all applicants. In order to be considered for the class to be admitted in the Fall of each academic year, the admission test must be taken and results submitted by April 30th of the year of matriculation. Entrance exam scores must be earned no more than five years prior to the planned enrollment year.
- Necessary course prerequisites. All prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C or better prior to matriculation. Only courses designed for science majors or pre-professional students are acceptable for the science prerequisites.
- Two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a practicing optometrist. The other letter must be from a prehealth advisor, a professor, an employer or an extracurricular activity advisor. Letters of recommendation from relatives, personal and/or family friends are not acceptable.
- A good understanding of optometric medicine. Candidates are strongly encouraged to shadow and observe a number of practicing optometrists in the clinical setting.
- Extracurricular and/or community activities that indicate a well-rounded background and demonstrate a commitment to service.
- Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to relate effectively with others.
- Passage of criminal background check.
- A commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
Prerequisite Courses
Course |
Sem Hrs |
Qtr Hrs |
Biology with lab |
8 |
12 |
General/Inorganic Chemistry with lab |
8 |
12 |
Organic Chemistry with lab |
4 |
6 |
Physics |
6 |
9 |
Calculus |
3 |
4 |
Microbiology |
3 |
4 |
Statistics |
3 |
4 |
Psychology |
3 |
4 |
English |
6 |
9 |
Note: CCO strongly recommends the following courses: Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry.
The Doctor of Optometry degree program is rigorous and challenging. The Admissions Committee will therefore assess the quality and rigor of the pre-optometry academic records presented by applicants. When assessing an application, the Admissions Committee will view with concern applicants with:
- Cumulative and science grade point averages below 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
- Admission test scores below the mean for each exam.
- Prerequisite science coursework completed more than 10 years ago. More recent (within five years) math and science coursework is preferred.
18%
Projected Increase in
Jobs by 2026
$140,913
Average Net Income
General Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Completion of course prerequisites with a grade of C or higher
- Minimum overall cumulative GPA and science GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
- OAT or other entrance exam scores must be submitted by April 30th.
- Scores older than five years are not acceptable
- Additional information on the OAT may be found online at www.opted.org
- Two letters of recommendation
- One letter must be from a practicing optometrist
Class of 2026 Profile
- Female: 70%
- Male: 30%
- Average age: 24
- Average overall GPA: 3.41
- Average OAT scores: 300
- Top home states/countries: Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Canada, Minnesota, Florida, Indiana, and Texas.
Graduation & Attrition Rates
Year of Matriculation |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Number matriculated |
66 |
59 |
61 |
61 |
61 |
|
1 |
Attrition for academic reasons |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
Attrition for other reasons |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
Students still enrolled, on a leave of absence, or extended program |
0 |
5 |
58 |
57 |
60 |
4 |
Graduated in 4 years* |
45 |
36 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
5 |
Graduated in 5 years |
8 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
6 |
Completed all curricular requirements but not met other graduation requirements^ |
12 |
15 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
7 |
Graduated at any time** |
53 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
*Includes students who completed all graduation requirements in the same calendar year as the end of their fourth year.
^Students are required to pass NBEO Part I and take NBEO Part II or the Written Exam of the Optometry Examining Board of Canada (OBEC) to satisfy the college graduation requirements.
**The values in this row should equal the sum of the values in rows 4 and 5.
National Board of Examiners in Optometry Report
NBEO report: Comprised of students who met the graduation requirements of the program (completed courses, passed part I and took part II of NBEO) from October 1st - September 30th of the graduation year, regardless of initial matriculation date.
View Annual Performance Report
NBEO Passage Rates by Year
|
2020-2021* |
2021 |
2022 |
||||||
|
# First-time test takers |
First-time Pass Rate (%) |
Overall Pass Rate (%) |
# First-time test takers |
First-time Pass Rate (%) |
Overall Pass Rate (%) |
# First-time test takers |
First-time Pass Rate (%) |
Overall Pass Rate (%) |
Part I Applied Basic Science (March and August administrations) |
62 |
48% |
89% |
55 |
55% |
82% |
51 |
49% |
N/A |
Part II Patient Assessment and Management (December and April administrations) |
62 |
74% |
98% |
55 |
56% |
95% |
53 |
72% |
85% |
Part III Clinical Skills Examination (June – July administrations) |
62 |
85% |
98% |
55 |
91% |
98% |
55 |
91% |
N/A |
*During the 2020-2021 academic year, Part I was administered in July, November, and January. Part II was administered in December, February, and April.
Ultimate Passage Rate by Graduation Year
|
2021 Graduates |
2022 Graduates |
||
|
# Passing all Parts |
% of Graduates^ |
# Passing all Parts |
% of Graduates^ |
Ultimate Passage Rate of students who have attempted all 3 parts of NBEO or OEBC at the date of graduation, proportion that have passed all 3 parts of NBEO or the OEBC |
44 |
98% |
40 |
95% |
*Includes students who completed all graduation requirements in the same calendar year as the end of their fourth year.
^Students are required to pass NBEO Part I and take NBEO Part II or the Written Exam of the Optometry Examining Board of Canada (OBEC) to satisfy the college graduation requirements.
Career and Educational Opportunities
Optometrists practice in a wide variety of settings. Some of the positions included below require advanced education or training beyond the O.D. Degree.
- Private optometry, partnership or group practice
- Ophthalmology practice
- Federal government:
- Veterans Health Administration optometry service
- Public Health Service
- Indian Health Service
- Armed services (military)
- Hospitals
- Academia
- Research
- Health maintenance organizations
- Ophthalmic industry
- Franchise/retail office practices
- Graduate education and residencies:
- Master's or Ph.D. degree in Visual Science, Physiological Optics, Neurophysiology, Public Health, Health Administration, Health Information and Communication, or Health Education
- Postgraduate clinical residency programs in Family Practice Optometry, Pediatrics Optometry, Geriatric Optometry, Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation, Low-vision Rehabilitation, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Refractive and Ocular Surgery, Primary Eye Care Optometry, and Ocular Disease.1
US Employment Projections and Median Salary
Employment of optometrists is expected to grow by 17%-18% over the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations. Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently later in life, an aging population will require more optometrists. As people age, they become more susceptible to conditions that impair vision, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.2
The number of people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, has grown in recent years. Diabetes is linked to increased rates of several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the blood vessels in the eye and may lead to loss of vision. More optometrists will be needed to monitor, treat, and refer individuals with chronic conditions stemming from diabetes.
In addition, nearly all health plans cover medical eye care and many cover preventive eye exams. Furthermore, the number of individuals, particularly children, who have access to vision or eye care insurance is expected to continue to increase because of federal health insurance reform. More optometrists will be needed to provide services to more patients.
CAREER OUTLOOK
18% projected increase in optometry jobs by 2026*
$140,913 average net income for optometrists in 2016**
*According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Optometrists
**AOA Survey of Optometric Practice, updated January 2018 (https://optometriceducation.org/, last accessed 10/2/2018)