On April 12, 2025, ICO hosted 28 pre-health students for our White Coat Project / Doctor for a Day event. Many were returning participants, eager to explore optometry within the broader context of systemic health.

Attendees came from across Chicago. These included UIC’s Urban Health Program, Chicago Scholars, Northwestern, and Homewood-Flossmoor High School. After a welcome from Scott Jens, OD '91, students were divided into groups. Each group was assigned a “mystery case.” Led by third-year facilitators, they rotated through stations featuring clinical cases such as Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus, Retrobulbar Optic Neuritis, and Giant Cell Arteritis. The day ended with mini grand rounds where students shared their case findings, a highlight of the experience.

This program continues to be a success: two past attendees are entering ICO this fall, another is applying this cycle. More plan to apply next year. Twenty of this year’s participants have committed to summer shadowing at Illinois Eye Institute. A special thanks to our facilitators Kashifa Ansari, OD ’23; Danielle Piser, OD; Elizabeth Wyles, OD; and returning guest Araba (Mary) Otoo, OD. Thanks also to Eric Harris, OD, for organizing this wonderful event!