Midwestern Optometry Programs
The following four programs are located in the Midwest US region.
University of Missouri—St. Louis College of Optometry
The College of Optometry administers the only professional training program for optometrists in Missouri. Over 97% of UMSL students have earned a baccalaureate degree prior to their admission to the 4-year professional degree program. UMSL Optometry accepts a class of about 44 students each year. At least one of our 1,000+ graduates may be found in over 37 states and 2 foreign countries. Faculty members come from across the US from a variety of optometry programs. This program is one of the newer programs in the country and was established in 1980.
Illinois College of Optometry
The Illinois College of Optometry has a long and distinguished legacy as the oldest continually operating educational facility in the world dedicated solely to the teaching of optometrists. Since its founding in 1872 by Dr. Henry Olin, ICO has remained at the forefront of optometry through the dedicated efforts of faculty, students and alumni. ICO class size is about 150. For more than 135 years, the Illinois College of Optometry has been dedicated to providing an unsurpassed educational experience to optometry students who share our passion for excellence.
Indiana University School of Optometry
The Indiana University School of Optometry has a long history of excellence in Optometric education and research having been founded in 1951. The School of Optometry is located on the main campus of Indiana University in Bloomington. Nestled among the rolling hills of south central Indiana, Bloomington has been known for offering big city excitement while maintaining a quaint Midwestern charm. Indiana’s class size is about 75 students in the entering class.
Southern College of Optometry (Tennessee)
Founded in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1932, SCO’s students represent a large cross-section of demographics and regional areas of the nation. SCO alumni live and practice in all 50 states and abroad. Many of SCO faculty received their optometric education at other schools and colleges of optometry but chose to teach and practice at SCO. Class size at SCO is about 120 annually.