For Gregory Jones, OD ’74, a pair of contact lenses led to a career in optometry and a generous bequest to Illinois College of Optometry, which helped him along the way.

After graduating from Syracuse University in 1966 with a BA in political science, Dr. Jones planned to attend law school. However, the U.S. Army had different plans for him. While at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, he visited an optometry clinic to be fitted for contact lenses. “Glasses didn’t work well out in the field,” he recalled. It was during this appointment that he began to envision a different future. “Something clicked about what the optometrist did, which set me on the path to optometry school.” Dr. Jones returned home with a renewed sense of purpose, and fortunately, his wife, Sue, was fully supportive.

Dr. Jones was accepted to ICO. After briefly detouring to Jamestown Community College to complete a lab science requirement, he and Sue packed their car, bringing their young son along, and headed to Chicago. “I was an older student,” he reflected. While at ICO, he balanced his roles as a student, husband, and father.

After graduating, Dr. Jones and his family returned to Jamestown, New York, where he opened his first practice in a modest 550-square-foot space within a medical building. Greg soon met his partner and together, they launched Jamestown Optometric Group. Greg will often state, "I've been blessed with awesome partners, staff and patients." Their practice exploded, and by 1994, they had outgrown their 5,000-square-foot location and built Spectrum Eye Care, a 12,000-square-foot full-service facility. Throughout, Dr. Jones always remembered how ICO played a role in his success.

Dr. Jones made his first contribution of $25 to ICO’s Alumni Association in 1981. “It was the first time I had extra money to spare,” he says. He has continued to give year after year for 37 years, growing his support. “I keep giving because I am proud of ICO. It continues to evolve.” He is impressed that ICO adopted a medical model and prepares its students well.

Dr. Jones retired from practice 14 years ago, yet his legacy thrives. Today, Spectrum Eyecare has five optometrists and over 30 staff members. He hopes that ICO will also flourish through Sue's and his philanthropy.

When Sue and Greg began their estate planning, they wanted to provide for their family, but “we also had our favorite organizations, and ICO is one of them”. The reason? Dr. Jones explains, “ICO was one of my best decisions. It afforded me a life of serving patients, constant learning, and a great career and fun.” He continues, “I want to make what ICO did for me possible for other students.”

Making a gift in the form of a bequest requires trust and a sense of optimism. While ultimately, Dr. Jones believes that ICO will use his gift for what is needed, he hopes that it is used for something that will be around for a while. “I am a bricks and mortar person. It would be great if the funds were used for buildings and equipment.”

Ultimately, he hopes that it will inspire his fellow alumni. “When you sit back and think about it, ICO played a role in our success.” And through his thoughtful donation, he helps ensure the success of others for generations to come.