Ian Ymalay, O.D., has been practicing at America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses locations in Chicago since graduating from Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) in 2007. “My mom is an optometrist,” says Dr. Ymalay, “and I always wanted to be in health care.”

1 CORPORATE.

“It offers advantages like ample time off, great salary, and a focus on eye care vs. the ‘business of optometry.’”

2 EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM.

“America’s Best has become an externship site for Pennsylvania College of Optometry, ICO, and Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry (IAUPRO). I’m a preceptor for both the ICO and IAUPRO.”

3 STUDENTS.

“The response has been overwhelming. Students get to see a large number of patients with varying conditions, enhancing awareness of corporate optometry.”

4 PRECEPTOR.

“I’m honored to have been named Preceptor of the Year at ICO. My rotation is primary care and contact lens. We also spend time on nonclinical items as they enter the workforce.” COT!

—Stephanie K. De Long

Dr. Ymalay highlights ocular pathology found in corproate optometry on @corporate_retina on Instagram.