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.
A brilliant researcher, teacher, and writer, Dr. Neumueller made significant contributions to optometry throughout his professional career. Trained as an engineer in Germany, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1910, becoming a U.S. citizen in 1915. He joined the faculty in 1921 as Professor of Theoretical and Physiological Optics. Concurrently, Dr. Neumueller pursued a degree in optometry. From 1935 to 1941, he was director of the Bureau of Visual Science of the American Optical Company where he performed research and designed optical instruments. In 1941, he rejoined the College's faculty as Professor of Optometry and Director of Clinics. Dr. Neumueller retired as Professor Emeritus in 1956, but returned as a faculty member in 1961, upon the death of Dr. Fred Sinn, to serve as Professor of Physical and Geometric Optics. He was a prolific writer and published frequently on the many phases of optometry, ophthalmology, science, and optics. Throughout his lifetime, he was highly respected by his colleagues and revered and honored by his students. Upon his death, Dr. Neumueller left a bequest to establish the Julius F. Neumueller Award of the American Academy of Optometry.
