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Illinois Optometric Association

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Illinois Optometric Association

IOA Mission: Protecting and advancing optometry for the benefit of public health. History of the IOA

"The writing of history belongs to the victors."

In the sense that our association has won countless battles on behalf of optometry in the last century, we are the victors, so I will relate our version of history. As with many groups which undergo changeovers, our present name "Illinois Optometric Association" was not the name chosen for an organization created at the end of the 19th century whose purpose was to forge a profession out of an "unl

icensed trade." It was called the Illinois State Optical Society (I.S.O.S.). Our contemporary appellation was inaugurated in 1941, before the U.S. became a combatant in World War II. The prototype association, I.S.O.S., was apparently founded in 1898. We have no eyewitnesses, but we do have records from its 10th annual convention in 1907. Counting from that beginning in 1898, it works out the convention of 1998 to be the 100th. Then how did the previous numbering system originate? Follow along. From the written reports available, we know that the I.S.O.S. Was grappling with two major issues at the 1907 convention: (1) Getting an optometry law on the books in Illinois by passing the bill through the legislature and, if necessary, over the governor's veto; (2) The propriety of optometrists using the title of doctor. While these issues were not resolved during the convention, an amendment was ratified making the annual dues $5 for regular members and $15 for certified members. In 1998 dollars, that was about $100 and $300 for state dues. (Before you make unjustified comparisons, be advised that glasses were advertised for one dollar in 1907. That's about $20 today.) There was another critical issue festering in the background, but it didn't make the minutes of the meeting. A group of maverick optometrists formed a new statewide coalition in 1907 and named it the Illinois Association of Optometrists (I.A.O.). The organizers asserted that "there has been dissatisfaction with the old society because of the elaborate membership qualifications and lack of activity during the recent struggle to obtain an optometry law." The Optical Society, not willing to take it lying down, answered the criticism in its first BULLETIN, an 8-page magazine published in 1907. Things remained in a state of flux for almost a year with competing groups trying to gain the upper hand in achieving support of the majority of optometrists in Illinois. Finally, at a special 1908 meeting of the Chicago Optical Society (similar to a local society today but more autonomous), an Illinois State Society of Optometrists (I.S.S.O.) was chartered "unanimously and enthusiastically...as the authorized representative of optometry in this state." The first convention of the I.S.S.O. was in 1909. All the splinter groups were gradually won over and consolidated into the I.S.S.O., a name that survived until 1941. Its members cheerfully observed the silver (25th) anniversary convention in 1933 at Chicago's Palmer House despite dismal economic conditions. (It was the Great Depression and the society's funds were unavailable, locked up in a shuttered bank.) Applying that 1908 date as we have been doing for nearly a century, the 1998 convention would be the 90th convention. However, since we are writing the victor's history, the IOA officers embraced the date of the prototype group formed in 1898 and celebrated the association's 100th convention on October 31, 1998. Most of this will probably confuse the heck out of future historians. But after all, history is nothing more than the art of reconciling fact with fiction. Written by Walter Zinn, O.D., F.A.A.O. (Past President 1995 - 1996)

08/08/2025

A message from IOA Industry Partner CooperVision:
Learn more about the benefits of clariti® 1 day multifocal 3 Add and start fitting today!
Learn more: https://ow.ly/RrH550WAm7P

08/07/2025

Meet our featured Annual Meeting speaker, Shalu Pal, OD. Dr. Pal will teach an Ortho-K workshop and a course on contact lenses on Friday, September 26. Check out the full course schedule and register here: https://illinois.aoa.org/ce-and-events/annual-meeting-2025/od-schedule-and-registration

08/06/2025

Check out the new report that provides critical guidance to doctors of optometry treating patients on GLP-1RAs: https://ow.ly/98R850WAmot

The guidance from AOA offers clinical recommendations for the rare ocular side effect of GLP-1RAs is non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

08/04/2025

Congratulations to IOA member Louise Sclafani, OD, who has been named a 2025 Theia Award of Excellence recipient as an Industry Influencer, presented by Women In Optometry.

With a career spanning clinical care, academia, leadership, and industry, Dr. Sclafani currently leads CooperVision’s Specialty Lens Portfolio while continuing to see patients and teach. Her extensive contributions to contact lens innovation, professional service, and mentorship have earned her numerous national recognitions.

Nine optometrists will be awarded with a Theia Award of Excellence on Tuesday, October 7, during the American Academy of Optometry meeting.

08/01/2025

Wildfires in Utah, Arizona, and Canada are pushing low air quality into Illinois. What can you do to make sure your eyes stay protected when the air turns smoky?

• Monitor air quality daily
• Limit outdoor exposure & close windows in your home
• Use artificial tears to soothe dryness and irritation
• Wear goggles, wraparound glasses, or sunglasses
• Avoid rubbing your eyes

If your eyes continue to feel dry, itchy, or irritated, schedule an appointment with an optometrist. Find a doctor of optometry near you: https://illinois.aoa.org/find-a-doctor

07/31/2025

Sunglasses aren’t just a summer fashion statement—they’re essential year-round protection for your eyes! And just like your skin, your eyes can get sunburned too! 🌞

Here's what to look for in your sunglasses:
✅ Block out 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
✅ Screen out 75 to 90% of visible light.
✅ Have lenses that are perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection.
✅ Have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition.

Learn more: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/uv-protection

07/30/2025

It's time to register for the 2025 Annual Meeting in Schaumburg, IL! Join us September 25-28, 2025, for 18 hours of TQ CE over one weekend. View the course schedule and register here: https://illinois.aoa.org/ce-and-events/annual-meeting-2025

07/29/2025

Back to school means more reading, writing & screen time. Is your child struggling to focus? It could be accommodative dysfunction—a vision issue that makes it hard to shift focus between distances.

Signs of accommodative dysfunction in kids:
• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Eye strain
• Fatigue
• Inability to look from near to far quickly without any blur at distance or near

Learn more: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/accommodative-dysfunction

07/25/2025

Do you know an optometrist, para, or student who goes above and beyond for their patients and profession? Consider nominating them for the 2025 IOA Awards before the deadline in one week!
📅 Deadline: July 31, 2025
📨 Nominate now: https://illinois.aoa.org/ce-and-events/annual-meeting-2025

07/23/2025

Contacts exposed to flowing air can become dry at a faster rate. Learn how you can stay comfortable in the car this summer.

07/22/2025

Myopia—also known as nearsightedness—is on the rise, affecting children earlier and progressing faster than ever. Generally, myopia first occurs in school-aged children, and symptoms include squinting to see a chalkboard or TV screen.
Learn more & find an OD near you: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/myopia

07/20/2025

Please join us in wishing our IOA CEO a Happy Birthday! We hope you have a wonderful year!

Address

304 W Washington Street
Springfield, IL
62701

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Website

https://illinois.aoa.org/

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