Illinois Optometric Association

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 "unlicensed 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)

Thank you to all who have served this country in the armed forces. In observance of the holiday, the IOA office will be ...
11/11/2025

Thank you to all who have served this country in the armed forces. In observance of the holiday, the IOA office will be closed on November 11 and will reopen on Wednesday, November 12.

The 101 on GLP-1​: Weight loss and diabetes meds may affect vision. Watch for changes and protect your eyes with annual ...
11/07/2025

The 101 on GLP-1​: Weight loss and diabetes meds may affect vision. Watch for changes and protect your eyes with annual optometrist visits. Find an OD: https://illinois.aoa.org/find-a-doctor

A message from IOA Industry Partner Johnson & Johnson:
11/05/2025

A message from IOA Industry Partner Johnson & Johnson:

Rhyme something with Presbyopia? Challenge accepted! 👀 Check out the link below for a *free trial and try Acuvue Oasys MAX 1-Day Multifocal for Astigmatism ...

Did you know? Myopia (nearsightedness) means you see close objects clearly—but distant objects appear blurred. If your c...
11/04/2025

Did you know? Myopia (nearsightedness) means you see close objects clearly—but distant objects appear blurred. If your child is showing signs of squinting, trouble seeing the board, or wanting to sit too close to the screen, it might be time for an eye exam. Find an OD near you here: https://illinois.aoa.org/find-a-doctor

Don't forget! The deadline to complete tests from the IOA Annual Meeting is Friday, October 31. Tests must be completed ...
10/30/2025

Don't forget! The deadline to complete tests from the IOA Annual Meeting is Friday, October 31. Tests must be completed by the end of the day on October 31 to receive TQ credit. To claim your credit, please log in to your account here: https://ioa.digitellinc.com/live/9/page/65

The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS) brings together advocates who believe patients deserve quality visio...
10/29/2025

The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS) brings together advocates who believe patients deserve quality vision care. Whether you're an eye care professional, a student, or a passionate advocate, your voice matters. Learn more about their mission & consider joining HCAPS today: https://www.patientsafetytoday.com/join

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srpOdPwcNGg

The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS) brings together advocates who believe patients deserve quality vision care.We're building a nationwide ne...

Kids don’t always know they can’t see clearly. Blurred vision, squinting, or trouble focusing in class can all be signs ...
10/28/2025

Kids don’t always know they can’t see clearly. Blurred vision, squinting, or trouble focusing in class can all be signs your child needs an eye exam. Good grades start with good vision! Find an OD near you at: https://illinois.aoa.org/find-a-doctor

🧛‍♂️ Planning a spooky costume? Be careful with decorative contact lenses!Non-prescription costume contacts can cause se...
10/17/2025

🧛‍♂️ Planning a spooky costume? Be careful with decorative contact lenses!
Non-prescription costume contacts can cause serious eye infections, scratches, or even vision loss if not properly fitted and prescribed.

🎃 Only buy contact lenses from a licensed eye care professional - find an OD near you at https://illinois.aoa.org/find-a-doctor.

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