Centennial
Many people have been part of the proud history of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) and Salus University. Alumni, faculty, and friends of the College helped establish PCO as a pioneer and leader in the field of optometric education and the profession of optometry. The following people - highlighted on Medal Mondays - were honored on May 20, 1995 at the 75th Anniversary Gala Celebration for their outstanding contributions to the College and the field of optometry and vision care.
At the Centennial Gala Celebration on April 27, 2019, additional alumni, faculty, and friends will be honored.
An optometric pioneer, Dr. Neill joined the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) faculty in 1929, rising as Professor of Ophthalmic Mechanics and later as Professor of Contact Lenses and Subnormal Vision Practice. Upon his retirement in 1971, Dr. Neill was named Professor Emeritus. He served as Vice President of the College from 1960 until 1971. He was a co-developer of the micro-lens and worked with others to develop bifocal, binocular telescopic spectacles and the ptosis crutch. For most of his 42 years of service, Dr. Neill was the representative and voice of PCO in legislative, legislative and public relations matters. He was constantly striving to improve the recognition and stature of optometry and the College. In 1966, he received the American Optometric Association’s Apollo Award, optometry’s highest honor. The J.C. Neill Memorial Lecture and Medal was established in his honor in 1981. He received the Alumnus of the Year Award in 1971. He passed away in 1978.
