Centennial
Melvin Wolfberg, OD '51, FAAO, served as the fourth president of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) from 1979 through 1989. According to current president Michael H. Mittelman, OD ’80, a PCO student when Dr. Wolfberg became president, he had a "long and significant association with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry," citing both his service on the Board of Trustees from 1959 to 1979 and as Board chairman from 1976 to 1978.
During Dr. Wolfberg’s tenure, PCO developed new academic programs, including an optometric technician program, a Master of Science program, and a Master of Education program. Dr. Wolfberg supported a growing research program and strengthened relationships between the College, the alumni, and the community. The Center for Continuing and Post-Graduate Education became the nation's single, most significant provider of education in pharmacology related to optometry and the diagnosis and treatment of ocular pathology. His tenure also included the historic affiliation with Hahnemann University School of Medicine’s in addition to the establishment of the Irving Bennett Business and Practice Management Center and the Cornea and Specialty Contact Lens Center.
Originally hailing from Altoona, Pa., Dr. Wolfberg received many accommodations throughout his life. A Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient for his actions during the World War II Battle of the Bulge, Dr. Wolfberg was the first PCO graduate to become president of the American Optometric Association in 1969, and the sixth PCO alumnus to become president of the American Academy of Optometry. He was also vice president of Bausch and Lomb, where he consulted for two years prior to retiring. He enjoyed retirement in Florida up until his passing in 2015 at the age of 88, keeping abreast of what was happening in the world of optometry and with his colleagues, many of whom he met with regularly. Dr. Wolfberg was survived by his wife and partner of forty years, Linda Machesic; daughter, Debra Mease; sons, Michael and Daniel, step-daughter Lisa Hubbard, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
