2016 Optometry's Meeting

The American Optometric Association recently held its 119th annual congress, Optometry’s Meeting, in Boston, MA. Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) faculty, alumni, students, and staff were in attendance.

The meeting launched on Wednesday, June 29, with an awards ceremony and keynote address by legendary astronaut, Buzz Aldrin, which set the tone for the five day event. Mr. Aldrin, one of the first human beings to set foot on the moon, shared his passionate story with attendees leaving them inspired to "dream higher." He also spoke to the importance of inspiring younger generations of future explorers and innovators.

The 25th Annual Varilux Optometry Student Bowl proved to be an exciting competition on Thursday evening, as Salus PCO’s own Marshall Ward ‘OD17, battled against 23 other schools and colleges of optometry for the coveted title of national champion. Students attempted to beat the buzzer as they were quizzed by a panel of experts, one of them being Dr. Linda Casser, optometry professor and coordinator of interprofessional education at Salus. Mr. Ward made the University proud, taking home a close second place at the well-attended, exhilarating event.

Also on Thursday evening, Dr. Louis Catania, PCO class of 1969 and pioneer in postgraduate residency education, was inducted into the renowned National Optometry Hall of Fame.  Since 1998, the National Optometry Hall of Fame has honored optometrists who have made significant, long-lasting contributions to the optometric profession as a whole. Over the years, Dr. Catania served in many roles at PCO, including associate professor, director of the Center of Continuing and Post Graduate Education, director of the Center for International Studies, and director of International Program Development. What’s more, Dr. Catania was the PCO Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year in 1994. Salus president, Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, congratulated Dr. Catania on the monumental honor, noting that it’s “extremely well deserved” and honored him with a University coin at the alumni reception.

The alumni reception kicked off with a University update by President Mittelman, followed by an overview of PCO programs by Dr. Melissa Trego, interim dean of PCO. The reception, with PCO faculty, alumni, students, and staff in attendance, was a fun-filled evening full of reminiscing, celebrating, and reconnecting.