Dr. Joseph McCray

Dr. McCray graduated from ICO in 1975 and began his career at Plano Optometrics/Plano Child Development Center. Joining the ICO faculty in 1980, he currently serves as an attending preceptor in primary care and is a member of ICO’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Over the years, he has fulfilled various roles at ICO, including serving as a preceptor in the Contact Lens Department, Clinical Enhancement preceptor, and Member of the Dean’s Search Committee.

Retiring from private practice on December 31st, 2017, after 42 years of full-time service, Dr. McCray held key positions as President and Clinical Director of Plano Optometrics, Ltd., Associate Director at Plano Child Development Center, and Vice-President of Vision Health Management Systems, Inc., also known as Plano Vision Center.

His commitment to optometry extends beyond the clinic. Dr. McCray served as Past President of the Chicago Central City Optometric Society and held various roles in the National Optometric Association (NOA), including Regional Trustee, Treasurer, and Vice-President. In 2009, he was honored as the NOA Optometrist of the Year.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Dr. McCray has been deeply involved in community service. He served as the Quality Assurance Officer for the Chicago Public Schools Healthy Kids Healthy Minds Enhanced Vision Program from 2006 to 2016. At Fellowship M.B. Church, where he has been a member since 1960, he held numerous leadership positions, including Director of Christian Education, Assistant Director of Christian Education, and Deacon.

Dr. McCray’s dedication to education extends to mentoring future clinicians. He strives to impart practical clinical skills, case analysis, and patient education that students may not typically encounter in the classroom or labs.

In his spare time, Dr. McCray has volunteered as an Assistant Wrestling Coach at Kenwood Academy High School and served on the board of directors for the Fellowship Baptist Church Credit Union. He has also contributed to the Illinois Institute of Technology's Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program as a preceptor.

Vice-President Board of Directors