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Illinois College of Optometry

EIN 36-2310478 · Chicago, IL

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood89 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of Illinois College of Optometry is to develop highly qualified clinical optometrists through excellence in optometric education who will strive to "seek that all will receive optimal healthcare".

Income
$45.4 million
Spending
$38.9 million
Spent on programs
77%
Reserves
11.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 75%
Employees
626
Volunteers
19
Highest pay
$491,412, president

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 84% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 11.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 26% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 14% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 22% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    77% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    15 of 17 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $20.1 million spent. GENERAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AT THE ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY (ICO): Classroom instruction for Doctor of Optometry Degree; Continuing Education and Faculty Research serving approximately 480 students per year. ICO's 4-year program is focused entirely on optometry. Our students receive robust clinical experience, including hands-on patient care in the IEI beginning in their very first year. Understanding that being a doctor extends beyond eye care, ICO offers courses in financial literacy, practice management, and other real-world aspects of optometry. Our top-notch resources expose students to tomorrow's technologies and modes of practice. (Expenses $ 0 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 223,116) THE ORGANIZATION RECEIVES OTHER PROGRAM SERVICE REVENUE RELATED TO ITS BOOKSTORE, FACULTY RESEARCH, STUDENT LOANS AND ADMINISTRATION OF ILLINOIS EYE INSTITUTE.
  2. $9.1 million spent. CLINIC: The Illinois Eye Institute (IEI) acts as a safety net provider of eye and vision services for the Chicago area, serving diverse patients with complex needs. The clinic received approximately 85,000 patient visits in the previous year (48,000 to providers, 37,000 to optical). The site is a vital community resource for Medicaid and Medicare patients, as well as underinsured and uninsured patients. Specialty areas of the clinic include (but are not limited to) Pediatrics, Developmental Disability Clinics, Binocular Vision Service, Urgent Care, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Glaucoma Care, Retina and Vitreous Care, and Low Vision Care. The IEI acts as a teaching clinic that aides in the education of students as they pursue Doctor of Optometry degrees.
  3. $676,745 spent. DORMITORY: The Residential Complex provides affordable and safe on-campus living quarters for optometry students, prospective students, visitors, and their families. The RC hosts events to promote camaraderie and healthy student life. In addition, exam lanes are available in the RC for the exclusive use of its residents. (Expenses $ 0 including grants of $ 0)(Revenue $ 223,116) THE ORGANIZATION RECEIVES OTHER PROGRAM SERVICE REVENUE RELATED TO ITS BOOKSTORE, FACULTY RESEARCH, STUDENT LOANS AND ADMINISTRATION OF ILLINOIS EYE INSTITUTE.
  4. THE ORGANIZATION RECEIVES OTHER PROGRAM SERVICE REVENUE RELATED TO ITS BOOKSTORE, FACULTY RESEARCH, STUDENT LOANS AND ADMINISTRATION OF ILLINOIS EYE INSTITUTE.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since June 1956.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.