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Winter 2024
Homecoming 2024
WRITTEN BY:
Nora Matland
ICO’s annual Homecoming celebration is one of our most highly anticipated events for good reason. It provides our ICO family an opportunity to mix, mingle and network with alumni, students, faculty, and staff alike. It’s no surprise that this year’s event was yet another huge success!
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Homecoming 2024 saw guests and alumni take part in yet another unforgettable weekend of community celebration. The Alumni Student Mingle, Class Reunion Dinner and Alumni Association Awards Ceremony provided plenty of opportunities for first-time introductions and heartwarming reunions. We also inducted another group of alumni to our 50-year club. Congratulations to you all!
Friday’s student mingle saw a particularly special reunion for the Class of 1984 who got to hang out in the recently renovated Jens Family Blind Spot. This class was the very same group of students to initially co-opt the space as a place to gather after exams. It was exciting to see their reaction to how much the space has changed thanks to Scott Jens, OD ’91 and his family. While the space itself may feel different after all these years, the enthusiasm displayed by our alumni now back in their old stomping ground certainly felt familiar!
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It’s always energizing to welcome our alumni back to ICO. We love reconnecting with you, and we can’t wait to see even more of you next year!










ICO inducted eight new members to the prestigious 50-Year Club; (back row, L-R) Ward R. Ransdell, OD ’74; Thomas E. Griffith, OD ’74; Gregory L. Jones, OD ’74, and Gary Mellon, OD ’74. (front row, L-R) Jon R. Oberly, OD ’74; Charles W. Harril, OD ’74; Janice M. Jurkus, OD ’74, MBA, FAAO, and James M. Barnett, Sr., OD ’74.












2024 Alumni Association Award Recipients

Stacy Hinkemeyer-Colatrella, OD ’96
The Golden Gavel Award​
Golden Gavel Award
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Stacy Hinkemeyer-Colatrella, OD ’96 received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota at Morris and her Doctor of Optometry with honors from Illinois College of Optometry. She completed her residency in ocular disease at the VA Medical Center in Cleveland, Canton, and Brecksville, Ohio. She is a board certified, residency trained optometrist who is the CEO/Clinical Director of PineCone Vision Center.
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Dr. Hinkemeyer is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves as adjunct faculty to multiple colleges of optometry. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and has served as president of the Minnesota Optometric Association. She is a board-certified diplomate in the American Board of Optometry and Advanced Competency Medical Optometry. She has served as an examiner for the American Academy of Optometry Entrance Exam Committee, a senior consultant to the American Council on Optometric Education, a consultant to the MN Department of Education, and a member of ICO's Alumni Council. Dr. Hinkemeyer has served as president of VOSH-MN (the Minnesota Chapter of Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity) and has participated in and led many optometric missions abroad.
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She has been published and actively lectures on various topics, including neuro-eye disease, children’s vision, glaucoma, retinal disease and dry eye.

Nana Owusu, OD ’08
The Golden Gavel Award​
Golden Gavel Award
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Nana Owusu, OD ’08, a native of Ontario and Edmonton, completed his undergraduate degree in Microbiology at the University of Alberta, pursued Health Studies at McMaster University and then graduated from Illinois College of Optometry. He is co-owner of Prairie Eye Care with his wife Renee Phipps, OD ’08, which includes five locations.
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Dr. Owusu’s commitment to his profession extends beyond his practice. His professional affiliations include the Gold Key International Honor Society, the Alberta College of Optometrists, and the Canadian Association of Optometrists. He serves on the ICO Board of Trustees and served as the ICO Alumni Council President in 2021. He continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to the growth and development of future optometrists.
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Dr. Owusu’s clinical interests cover pediatric and adult patients, particularly those with complex systemic and ocular conditions. He is well-regarded for his compassionate approach and ability to manage diverse patient needs.

Distinguished Friend Award
The Alcon Foundation plays a significant role in fulfilling our commitment to the global community by supporting organizations that advance and improve the quality of eye health, education and access to care. The Alcon Foundation awards grants to organizations that support the advancement of eye health education, research and awareness.
Alcon
Distinguished Friend Award
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Michael Chaglasian, OD
Distinguished Friend Award
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Professional Achievement Award
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Michael Chaglasian, OD is an Associate Professor of Optometry at Illinois College of Optometry and Chief of Staff of Illinois Eye Institute. He is a graduate from State University of New York College of Optometry and completed a residency in Primary Eye Care/Ocular Disease at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He is a founding member, Immediate Past President and currently the Executive Vice President of the Optometric Glaucoma Society.
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Dr. Chaglasian’s clinical practice is focused on patients with glaucoma and related conditions, while co-managing surgical care as well. His research interests include perimetry and OCT technology, particularly in the collection of reference databases. Dr. Chaglasian has completed many research projects within the glaucoma field and remains actively engaged with new devices and treatments. Dr. Chaglasian has numerous publications and is passionate about teaching fellow clinicians about the care and management of patients with glaucoma.

Dominick Opitz, OD ’96
Excellence in Education Award
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Excellence in Education Award
Dominick Opitz, OD ’96 is a graduate from Loyola University of Chicago and Illinois College of Optometry. After he completed his residency at the VA Medical Center in Hampton, VA, he co-founded Midwest Eye Professionals, PC. There, he provided clinical education to student externs. It was his passion for clinical education that led Dr. Opitz back to his alma mater.
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In 2006, Dr. Opitz accepted a full-time faculty position at ICO where he is an Associate Professor of Optometry and the Senior Director for Ophthalmology Services and Practice Development. His clinical interests are glaucoma, uveitis, and ocular surface disease. Dr. Opitz lectures nationally on these topics and is an accomplished researcher and author.
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Dr. Opitz is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Optometric Association, Illinois Optometric Association, Optometric Glaucoma Society, and Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and past president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Optometry.

Connor Robbs, OD ’2
Young Alumnus of the Year Award
Young Alumnus of the Year Award
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Connor Robbs, OD ’22 graduated from ICO’s Accelerated Clinical Program with research distinction and cum laude honors. He currently practices full-time at Naper Grove Vision Care in Naperville, IL. He is a proud advocate of the profession and holds positions with the Illinois Optometric Association that include President of the Fox Valley Society, Chairman of the Young Professionals Committee, and Chairman of the Key Person Committee. Through ICO's Future Optometric Doctors Program, he works with high school students to introduce them to medical optometry. He has brought over 500 students to ICO for shadowing and internship experiences.