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Program Info

The Summer Eye Experience at the Chicago College of Optometry (SEE at CCO) is a three-day program that will expose college students to the Doctor of Optometry degree. Students will attend workshops designed for those interested in pursuing a career in optometry, as well as those who are still unsure and would like to see if optometry is for them. Sessions will be offered to help prepare the student’s application portfolio for admission, and classes will provide a glimpse into the day of an optometry student. Students will also attend hands-on laboratories where they will learn basic optometric skills.

Highlights

• Tour the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ Downers Grove Campus, including classrooms and research labs.
• Tour the ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ at our Multispecialty Clinic.
• Attend topic discussions led by of the Chicago College of Optometry.
• Participate in preclinical procedures.
• Attend application workshop on preparing an OptomCAS application, taking the OAT exam, and making a good impression during an interview.
• Watch the to learn more about our program.

2026 Dates

Date: June 22-24, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location:
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555 31st Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515

Eligibility Requirements

• Students must be currently enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program. Preference will be given to those entering their junior or senior year.
• Students who have already completed a B.S. or B.A. degree, or those who are enrolled in a post-baccalaureate or graduate program, are also eligible to apply.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (out of 4.0) is recommended.
• If accepted, participants must be able to attend all 3 days, and be able to participate in all sessions.

Application Process and Deadlines

• Complete an online application (application deadline is March 15, 2026).
• A complete set of unofficial college transcripts should be emailed to:  SEEatCCO@midwestern.edu
• A completed application must be submitted by March 15, 2026.

Timeline for Notification of Acceptance to SEE at CCO

Applicants will be notified via e-mail of their acceptance no later than April 1, 2026.

Registration Details

There is no fee to apply to the SEE at CCO program. If selected to participate, a non-refundable $185 seat deposit will be required to confirm your spot. This deposit is not an additional cost - at the conclusion of the program, participants will receive an OptomCAS coupon code of equivalent value, which can be used toward their future application to optometry school.

Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ's Downers Grove, IL campus, as well as their own accommodations. Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily by the Chicago College of Optometry (CCO). 

Program Outline

During the program, participants will be introduced to the exciting world of optometry. Below is a tentative outline for the SEE at CCO program. 

Day One: Learn about CCO (academic and clinical sides) as well as talk with current students.
Day Two: A day in the life of an optometry student (optometric specialties).
Day Three: Preparing for optometry school admission (studying, applying, OAT, interview).

Contact Information

For questions about the SEE at CCO program, please contact Dr. John Gialousakis at 630-960-3185 or SEEatCCO@midwestern.edu.