Michael Chaglasian, Chief of Innovative Technology and Data Science | Illinois College of Optometry
Michael Chaglasian, Chief of Innovative Technology and Data Science | Illinois College of Optometry
This appropriation represents state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.
Founded in 1872 by Henry Olin, Illinois College of Optometry states that its mission is: “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’.”
You can learn more about the organization at its website.
In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $38,494,200 in total revenue. Of that, $821,931 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 2.1% of total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $3,365,980 in contributions overall. It also reported $2,544,050 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, Illinois College of Optometry had $102,341,000 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $100,231,000, indicating a 2.1% decline in overall holdings.
According to its filing, public funding to Illinois College of Optometry surged in the last year. The group received $348,973 in government grants in 2023, compared to $821,931 in 2024—an increase of 135.5% year-over-year.
However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.
Illinois College of Optometry is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.
In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.
According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Amit Choksi | Sr Director Of Information Technology/Cio |
| 2024-2024 | Casey Hogan Faao | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Christa M Ojeda | Vp Of Business And Finance/Cfo |
| 2024-2024 | Dwain Hahs | Board Of Trustees-Treasurer |
| 2024-2024 | Dwight Ackerman Mba | Chairman Of The Board |
| 2024-2024 | Erik J Mothersbaugh | Dean For Student Affairs |
| 2024-2024 | Geoffrey William Goodfellow | Professor Of Optometry |
| 2024-2024 | Jeffrey Smith | Vice Chairman Of The Board (End 10/2022) |
| 2024-2024 | Jeffrey Johnson Mba | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | John Baker | Professor Of Optometry |
| 2024-2024 | Joseph Derezinski | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Karen Eng | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Kevin Danahey | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Leonard V Messner | Vp Of Patient Care |
| 2024-2024 | Mark Colip | President |
| 2024-2024 | Michael A Chaglasian | Professor Of Optometry |
| 2024-2024 | Michael Lopiano | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Nana Y Owusu | Board Of Trustees- Secretary |
| 2024-2024 | Osvaldo Lopez | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Philip Hasler | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Robert Fait | Board Of Trustees- Secretary (End 10/2022) |
| 2024-2024 | Roberto Lucca | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Sandra Bury | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Scott Jens Faao | Vice Chairman Of The Board |
| 2024-2024 | Stephanie Messner | Vp Of Academic Affairs |
| 2024-2024 | Steven E Schneider | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Thomas Duchardt Faao | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Timothy Tsang Faao | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Torrey L Barrett | Board Of Trustees (End 10/2022) |
| 2024-2024 | Tracy L Matchinski | Professor Of Optometry / Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Vasvi Babu | Board Of Trustees |
| 2024-2024 | Yi Pang | Professor Of Optometry |
| 2024-2024 | Zhiyong Ren | Chief Operating Officer At Iei |
| - | James J. Wachter | Board Member |
| - | Jeffrey D. Johnson | Board Member |
| - | Jennifer S. Harthan | Board Member |
| - | Kevin A. Danahey | Board Vice Chair |
| - | Nana Owusu | Board Secretary |
| - | Nicole Wheatly | Board Member |
| - | Philip J. Hasler | Board Member |
| - | Roberto Lucca | Board Member |
| - | Rupe Hansra | Board Member |
| - | Sandra Bury | Board Member |
| - | Scott A. Jens | Board Chair |
| - | Shawn Mallady | Board Member |
| - | Steven P. Lee | Board Member |
| - | Steven Schneider | Board Member |
| - | Thomas V. Duchardt | Board Member |
| - | Timothy H. Tsang | Board Member |
| - | Tracy L. Matchinski | Board Member |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Maurice E Taylor | - | |
| 2012 | Daniel Myers | - | |
| 2011 | Maureen Dwyer | - | |
| 2002 | Jayalalkshmi Kumar | - | |
| 2001 | Howard W Hook | - | |
| 1999 | Gary Young | - | |
| 1998 | Walter Yasko | - | |
| 1990 | Ella M Wilson | - | |
| 1986 | Nadine Taylor | - | |
| 1985 | Helen C Trojanowski | - | |
| 1985 | Sidney Poole | - |
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