Wisconsin Lutheran College

What you'll study

At WLC you complete the required undergraduate courses in preparation for ICO; specific course lists and modules are maintained by the partnering schools. At ICO, the curriculum emphasizes early and sustained clinical experience, including hands-on patient care at the Illinois Eye Institute beginning in the first year. ICO also integrates practice management coursework across the professional program so graduates have exposure to the business aspects of running an optometric practice.

Entry requirements

Admission into the dual-degree pathway is through an early-assurance, direct-admission agreement between WLC and ICO. To progress to the professional phase, students must satisfactorily meet the Illinois College of Optometry’s requirements for admission. The programme is intended for students who plan from the outset to pursue the optometry professional degree.

Career prospects

Optometrists diagnose and manage disorders and diseases of the visual system. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for optometrists to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2021 and 2031. ICO reports strong clinical outcomes for its students: many fourth-year students earn honors from externship preceptors, and ICO cohorts have historically exceeded the national pass rate on all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam.

Scholarships & funding angle

The source text does not list specific scholarships. Prospective students should consult WLC’s and ICO’s financial aid offices for information on institutional scholarships, federal student aid, and other funding options available for undergraduate and professional studies.