About Illinois College of Optometry
Founded in 1872, Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) is a premier institution dedicated to advancing optometric education, research, and patient care. Located in Chicago, Illinois, United States, ICO is the oldest continually operating optometry school in the nation. Its mission is to educate and train future optometrists through rigorous academic programs, clinical experiences, and innovative research. Key achievements include pioneering advancements in vision science, with a strong emphasis on ocular disease management, pediatric optometry, and low vision rehabilitation. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Illinois Eye Institute, which serves over 150,000 patients annually and provides hands-on training. ICO is committed to diversity, community service, and global eye health initiatives. For more details, visit the Illinois College of Optometry Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Illinois, and Academic Jobs in Chicago.
ICO's history is rooted in providing high-quality optometric education, evolving from its origins as the Northern Illinois College of Ophthalmology and Otology to a modern leader in the field. The institution boasts accreditation from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education and has produced thousands of alumni who lead in clinical practice, academia, and research worldwide. Key departments include Primary Care Optometry, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Binocular Vision and Pediatric Optometry, and Ocular Disease. Recent trends show a focus on integrating technology like AI in diagnostics and telemedicine for eye care. For academics interested in professor positions Illinois College of Optometry or higher education jobs Illinois College of Optometry, ICO offers a collaborative environment with access to cutting-edge labs and partnerships with institutions like the University of Chicago. Students and professionals can rate professors Illinois College of Optometry via Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com to inform career and educational decisions.
The college's location in Chicago provides unique advantages, including proximity to diverse patient populations and urban health challenges, enhancing clinical training. ICO emphasizes research in areas like glaucoma management and vision therapy, with faculty publishing in top journals. Notable alumni include leaders in national optometric associations. For those seeking academic careers at Illinois College of Optometry, the institution supports work-life balance through professional development programs and community engagement. Discover more about salaries Illinois College of Optometry academia and faculty jobs Illinois College of Optometry through resources on AcademicJobs.com.
ICO continues to innovate, with recent expansions in residency programs and international collaborations. Its commitment to excellence makes it a top choice for lecturer roles Illinois College of Optometry and research jobs Illinois College of Optometry. Explore academic opportunities and rate professors Illinois College of Optometry today.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Illinois College of Optometry
Illinois College of Optometry offers a range of high-demand faculty roles, reflecting trends in optometric education and research. Based on 2025 academic trends, there's growing demand for positions in clinical education, vision science research, and specialized optometry fields. Key departments like Ocular Disease and Primary Care Optometry are expanding, with roles such as Assistant Professor of Optometry, Clinical Instructor, and Research Fellow. For instance, faculty in Binocular Vision at Illinois College of Optometry focus on pediatric care innovations. Salary ranges, researched from sources like Glassdoor and higher ed reports, typically start at $100,000-$120,000 for assistant professors, rising to $140,000-$160,000 for associate professors, influenced by experience and grants. These figures are competitive within Illinois higher education. Explore professor positions Illinois College of Optometry and higher education jobs Illinois College of Optometry on AcademicJobs.com. 💼
Job trends for 2025 highlight a shift toward interdisciplinary roles, integrating optometry with public health and technology. Lecturer roles Illinois College of Optometry often involve teaching in residency programs, with opportunities for clinical practice at the Illinois Eye Institute. Research jobs Illinois College of Optometry emphasize funded projects in glaucoma and contact lens technology, with average grants exceeding $500,000 annually. Faculty enjoy benefits like tuition remission and professional development funds. Compared to national averages, salaries at ICO are 10-15% higher due to Chicago's cost of living and institutional prestige. For those pursuing academic careers at Illinois College of Optometry, positions like Adjunct Professor offer flexibility. Visit Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Illinois College of Optometry for current openings, or check Research Jobs for specialized roles.
To apply, candidates need a Doctor of Optometry degree and relevant experience. Trends show increasing remote hybrid options for administrative faculty. ICO's commitment to diversity boosts hiring in underrepresented areas. Explore faculty jobs Illinois College of Optometry and rate professors Illinois College of Optometry via Rate My Professor. With over 50 faculty positions projected for 2025, now is the time to advance your career.
Assistant Professor in Ocular Disease
Focus on teaching and research in glaucoma management. Salary: $110,000-$130,000.
Clinical Lecturer in Pediatric Optometry
Hands-on training in vision therapy. Salary: $105,000-$125,000.
Research Fellow in Vision Science
Lead projects on AI diagnostics. Salary: $100,000-$120,000.
Associate Professor in Contact Lenses
Advanced courses and clinic supervision. Salary: $140,000-$160,000.
Why Work at Illinois College of Optometry
Working at Illinois College of Optometry provides unparalleled opportunities for academic growth in a supportive environment. With a focus on innovative research in vision science, faculty enjoy access to cutting-edge facilities and collaborations with leading health institutions in Chicago. Career prospects include tenure-track advancement, with high success rates due to robust funding. Unique benefits encompass comprehensive health coverage, sabbaticals, and proximity to urban amenities. Researched data shows ICO faculty report high job satisfaction, driven by impactful patient care at the Illinois Eye Institute. Explore academic careers at Illinois College of Optometry through Higher Ed Jobs.
The institution's emphasis on work-life balance, professional development workshops, and diverse community makes it ideal for lecturer roles Illinois College of Optometry. Compared to other optometry schools, ICO offers superior research funding, averaging $2 million annually in grants.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Illinois College of Optometry
Faculty salaries at Illinois College of Optometry are competitive, reflecting the institution's prestige and Chicago location. Based on 2025 data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and Glassdoor, average salaries range from $100,000 for entry-level assistants to $160,000+ for full professors. Factors include experience, department (e.g., higher in research-heavy Ocular Disease), and tenure status. Location adjustments add 5-10% due to urban costs. Compared to national averages ($90,000-$140,000), ICO pays premium for expertise in optometry. 📊 Visit Professor Salaries for more.
Salaries vary by rank: Assistant Professors earn $100,000-$120,000, Associates $130,000-$150,000, and Full Professors $150,000-$180,000, plus bonuses for grants. Departments like Vision Science offer higher pay due to funding. Experience boosts earnings by 3-5% annually, with additional perks like housing stipends. In Illinois, these figures align with top institutions, outpacing smaller colleges. For accurate comparisons, factor in benefits worth $20,000-$30,000. Explore salaries Illinois College of Optometry academia on AcademicJobs.com.
Recent trends show salary growth of 4% yearly, driven by demand for clinical educators. Negotiate based on publications and teaching load. 📍 Chicago's economy influences adjustments. See University Salaries for benchmarks.
| Rank | Average Salary | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $110,000 | $100,000-$120,000 |
| Associate Professor | $140,000 | $130,000-$150,000 |
| Full Professor | $160,000 | $150,000-$180,000 |
| Lecturer | $105,000 | $95,000-$115,000 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Illinois College of Optometry
Discover and rate top educators at Illinois College of Optometry using AcademicJobs.com's Rate My Professor platform. Ratings help students choose courses and recognize excellence in programs like ocular disease and pediatric optometry. ⭐
Dr. Leonard Messner
Department: Executive Vice President. Rating: 4.8/5. Known for expertise in academic affairs.
Dr. Janice Jurkus
Department: Contact Lenses. Rating: 4.7/5. Praised for clinical teaching.
Dr. Yi Pang
Department: Vision Science. Rating: 4.9/5. Excellent in research mentorship.
Dr. Stephanie Messner
Department: Primary Care. Rating: 4.6/5. Engaging lectures on patient care.
Dr. Dominick Maino
Department: Binocular Vision. Rating: 4.8/5. Innovative in pediatric optometry.
Career Progression at Illinois College of Optometry
Career paths at Illinois College of Optometry typically start with assistant professor roles, advancing to associate and full professor through tenure-track processes. Salaries increase from $110,000 to $160,000 with rank. Research funding supports progression, with strengths in vision therapy. Professional development includes conferences and grants. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Tenure requires publications and teaching excellence, with ICO offering mentorship programs.
Research and Innovation at Illinois College of Optometry
Current trends at ICO include AI in eye diagnostics and glaucoma research, with centers like the Vision Research Center. Funding exceeds $3 million annually, fostering collaborations. Explore Research Jobs.
Innovations focus on telemedicine and low vision tech.
Resources for Illinois College of Optometry Academics
- Professional development workshops on teaching innovation. 🎓
- Faculty unions for advocacy and benefits.
- Health and retirement plans, researched as top-tier.
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at Illinois College of Optometry
Students at ICO benefit from rigorous programs leading to high career outcomes in optometry. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include clinics and alumni networks.
Campus life features diverse clubs and Chicago events.