ICO’s 2020 Commencement Speaker will be Sandra Block, OD ’81, MEd, MPH, FAAO, FCOVD. Dr. Block is a beloved ICO professor, known for serving our students, the young patients of The Illinois Eye Institute at Princeton Elementary School, and children with special needs. Dr. Block has been a consultant to Special Olympics since 1995. She was instrumental in developing the vision program protocols the organization uses globally today. She has been the Medical Director for the IEI at the Princeton Elementary School since 2011 and plans to retire later this year.

Over the course of her influential career, Dr. Block has authored numerous articles and conducted presentations nationally and internationally. She was one of the authors of the first vision report from the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. She is a member of the American Academy of Optometry and American Optometric Association and sits on the Board of Prevent Blindness. She is a Fellow and Diplomate in the American Academy of Optometry, a Fellow in the College of Optometrists in Visual Development, Co-chair of the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health (HRSA), and Public Health Committee Chair of the World Council of Optometry. A few of her many awards include the 2013 Carel C. Koch Memorial Award from the AAO, the 2010 Friend to Children Award from Maryville Academy, and the 2010 APHA Vision Care Section Outstanding Scientific Award.

Dr. Block is an exemplary caregiver, advocate, fundraiser, educator, and doctor who will be missed at ICO. We look forward to the wisdom and inspiration offered to the Class of 2020 in her Commencement Address.