By The Numbers: Community Outreach

When the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) became Salus University, a promise was made to continue to improve the welfare of the public worldwide. True to its name, which is Latin for health and well-being, Salus believes in an interprofessional and holistic approach to health and well-being – and community outreach has always been a key component.

Through its clinical facilities - The Eye Institute (TEI), the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) and Speech-Language Institute (SLI), Salus has remained committed to providing quality healthcare services to improve the lives of families in the Philadelphia area and beyond. 

Throughout the year, the University’s clinical facilities put civic engagement into action through a variety of community outreach activities including:

• TEI’s School Vision Programs provide comprehensive vision care services to underserved, uninsured and underinsured students in Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware counties. Along with vision screenings, students also receive follow-up exams and if needed two pairs of eyeglasses – one for school and one for home.
• PEI’s School Hearing Program provides hearing screenings to children in Philadelphia and surrounding school districts. The screenings not only detect hearing loss, but can also help identify children who may have a medical condition requiring additional care.
• SLI's specialized support groups were created with a focus on early intervention and techniques to improve communication. SLI faculty and students also provides group therapy sessions at senior centers, daycare centers and other local community facilities.

All three of the University’s healthcare facilities as well as student organizations such as Lions Club, the Student Academy of Audiology, and the National Optometric Student Association also take part in health fairs and other community events year-round. Participation can range from offering complimentary screenings and evaluations to providing educational programming, health resources and information.