Seeing is Believing
In May, Drs. Lester Efianayi, ’21, and Jeff Villena, ’21, returned to the Illinois College of Optometry campus to unveil a mural that they envisioned and produced along with designer Christopher Donley.
The “Seeing is Believing, Black Doctors Matter” mural was created to inspire young people within the Bronzeville community to remind them that becoming a doctor is within their reach. Having role models who share values and experiences is important, and Drs. Efianayi and Villena wanted to increase awareness of optometry and to increase interest and access into the profession for young people of color.
This mural is intended to show these young people do have role models who look like them and have achieved their goals and are here to mentor the next generation to join the ranks of doctors of optometry in service of their community.
You can see more about this art instillation and what it means to the ICO community by watching this video.