SUMMER 2026
CLASS NOTES: SUMMER 2026
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1969
ICO highlights Jeffrey Getzell, OD, for his VT for Tunneling Interactive Workshop, presented by the Optometric Extension Program Foundation (still available on the Foundation website). Dr. Getzell is internationally recognized for his expertise in vision development and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. Through his teaching, lecturing, and widely cited publications, he continues to advance clinical education and support the development of optometrists worldwide.
1970s
1980s
1981
Applause for Sandra S. Block, OD, MEd., MPH, FCOVD, who delivered the keynote address at the March 2026 Most Influential Women in Optical Luncheon. The event honored 35 women from across the optical industry whose leadership, innovation, and service continue to shape the future of vision care. Dr. Block’s selection as keynote speaker reflects her respected voice in the profession and her longstanding commitment to advancing optometry and industry leadership.
1990s
1991
A special salute to Scott Jens, OD, FAAO, on his appointment to the Board of Directors of Ocuco, a Dublin-based company that provides software solutions to eye care professionals, optical retailers, and laboratories worldwide. Dr. Jens was selected for his unique perspective as both a practicing optometrist and a successful health technology entrepreneur, bringing valuable insight to the company’s efforts to expand its cloud-based electronic health record solutions across the United States. A former member of the ICO Board of Trustees and Board Chair through 2025, Dr. Jens continues to shape the future of optometry through leadership in clinical care, technology, and practice innovation.
1992
Spotlight on Michele Andrews, OD, on her appointment as Chief Medical Officer at VSP Vision. In this leadership role, Dr. Andrews will guide the company’s clinical strategy, align optometric care initiatives, and develop programs to expand access and improve patient outcomes across clinical settings. Her appointment reflects the ongoing influence of ICO alumni in shaping the future of vision care, clinical innovation, and health care leadership.
1993
Exciting news for Charles Hendrix, OD, who recently joined SSM Health Eye Care at the SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Dr. Hendrix specializes in diagnosing and managing eye conditions and diseases, helping expand access to comprehensive vision care for patients across the region.
1995
Cheers to Timothy Williams, OD, and Jill Brody, MD, on their practice, McDonough Eye Care, merging into the MDH Medical Group. This move highlights the increasing importance of comprehensive eye care as a key part of community health and broadens access to ophthalmology and optometry services in Macomb, Illinois.
2000s
2000
Kudos to Steve Berry, OD, for writing the MedCity News article, “How Retinal Imaging is Reframing Preventive Medicine.” Published on March 9th, the article emphasizes the increasing importance of retinal imaging in promoting preventive medicine and strengthening the link between eye health and overall healthcare.
2005
Spotlight on Joshua Baker, OD, president and CEO of Midwestern University, who was featured in the April executive interview edition of CEO Magazine. In the article, “A Vision of Health,” Dr. Baker outlined his bold vision to position Midwestern University as a premier graduate health care institution and to advance innovation, collaboration, and excellence in health professions education.
2006
Congratulations to Jennifer S. Harthan, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FNAP, Dipl CCLRT, an alum and faculty member, for participating as an expert panelist at the SECO Contact Lens Summit, “Is it Real or No Big Deal? Cases to Make You Laugh or Cry.” She, along with other clinical experts, discussed real-world, case-based experiences on complex contact lens fittings, scleral lenses, multifocal lenses, and dry eye disease management.
2009
Ryan Deibert, OD, has been named this year's president of the Wisconsin Optometric Association. Dr. Deibert will represent Wisconsin optometry at the local and national levels. Be sure to check out our feature, "ICO Alumni Making the Case for State Optometric Associations," on page 28.
2010s
2017
Cheers to Emily Gorski, OD, on being named a recipient of the 2026 Silverman Excellence in Community Partnerships Award for her work in cerebral visual impairment. Dr. Gorski, an Assistant Clinical Professor at UC Berkeley’s Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, was honored at the Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium. This recognition highlights her commitment to advancing patient care, education, and community partnerships that support children and families affected by visual impairment. Colleagues and students alike continue to benefit from Dr. Gorski’s compassion, clinical expertise, and leadership in this important area of care.
2018
Congratulations to Megan Jean Chee, OD, who recently joined the staff at Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmology. As an emerging professional, Dr. Chee joins a leading clinical team dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered eye care and vision services across the Chicago region. ICO proudly celebrates this milestone and looks forward to following her career and contributions to the profession.
2019
Recognition goes to LeAnn (Strzelecki) Burns, OD, for presenting “All Your Questions About Eye Care Answered” for the Association of Lifelong Learners in Alpena, Michigan. Held at the ACC Madeline Briggs Center, the program provided community members with practical information on dry eye disease, eye health, dilated eye exams, and the early warning signs of macular degeneration and cataracts. Through educational outreach such as this, Dr. Burns continues to promote greater awareness of preventive eye care and healthy vision at every stage of life.
2020s
2022
Applause for Eric J. Beigel, OD, who was featured in the Sidney Daily News alumni spotlight, highlighting graduates of Sidney High School in Ohio. A third-generation optometrist, Dr. Beigel continues a family tradition of eye care in Sidney, where he practices with his parents at Primary EyeCare. His profile encouraged current students to explore career opportunities and pursue their interests with confidence.
2023
Kudos to Khanh Hoang, OD, for authoring the Ophthalmology Times Europe article, “Interventional Glaucoma: Redefining the Optometrist’s Role in Modern Glaucoma Management.” The December article examines how early intervention and minimally invasive therapies are reshaping glaucoma care and highlights the expanding leadership role optometrists play in early detection, treatment coordination, and lifelong patient support.
2024
A warm welcome to Adam Alpert, OD, who recently joined the Bayview Vision team. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Alpert specializes in managing complex ocular disease, pediatric eye care, myopia, and dry eye care. His commitment to personalized, high-quality patient care makes him a valuable addition to the Toronto eye care community.
2026
Congratulations to Anna Ratulowski, OD ’26, on being named Student of the Year at the Illinois Optometric Association Annual Meeting. Continuing an already impressive record of leadership and service, Dr. Ratulowski was recognized for her outstanding dedication to the profession, leadership within the optometric community, and commitment to service. As she begins her career in optometry, ICO proudly welcomes her to its alumni community and looks forward to the impact she will have on the profession in the years ahead.
Friends and Family
Recognition goes to Alicia Feis, OD, FAAO, 2009 postdoctoral resident in pediatrics and binocular vision, for moderating the panel discussion, “Incorporating Resilience Into the Next Generation of ODs,” at the March 2026 Vision Monday leadership Summit, “Resilience Rising: Future-Proofing Your Business for the 21st Century.” The session explored how resilience, critical thinking, and adaptability can help prepare future optometrists to navigate emerging technologies and an evolving health care landscape while continuing to deliver exceptional patient care.
Mea Culpa
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The following abbreviations denote predecessor names of the Illinois College of Optometry.
NICO: Northern Illinois College of Optometry
CCO: Chicago College of Optometry
MCO: Monroe College of Optometry
