First optometrist named to Illinois state health board

Chicago-Valarie Conrad, OD, MPH, Illinois College of Optometry’s (ICO) vice president of compliance and community-based services, has been appointed to the Illinois State Board of Health by Illinois governor Pat Quinn. She is the first optometrist to be named to the advisory group.

The board’s responsibilities include advising the department director on public health policy, emergencies, and control of health hazards; reviewing department rules and program proposals; and recommending solutions to public health issues.

Dr. Conrad’s work with the 20-member board, which includes a registered nurse, veterinarian, chiropractor, dentist and medical doctors, officially began in March. Her term will run until Feb. 15, 2016.