ASCO Celebrates 75 Years

On June 29, 1941, in Atlantic City, N.J., the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry held its first meeting. At that time ASCO comprised seven schools: the College of Optometry of Ontario, Columbia University, Los Angeles School of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State College of Optometry, Southern College of Optometry, and the University of California. Today, the Association includes 23 schools and colleges of optometry.

Pictures from throughout ASCO’s 75-year history were on display during the 2016 Annual Leadership Luncheon in Boston.

Pictures from throughout ASCO’s 75-year history were on display during the 2016 Annual Leadership Luncheon in Boston.

To commemorate this anniversary, during the Annual Leadership Luncheon in Boston in June, ASCO displayed pictures from past decades, including a slide presentation. And, to have a little fun, ASCO asked luncheon attendees a trivia question: How many students have graduated optometry school since 1941? Dr. Mark Colip from Illinois College of Optometry came closest to the correct answer, which is 72,757. Congratulations to Dr. Colip, and congratulations to the ASCO family on 75 years of commitment to excellence in optometric education!