Centennial
President’s Medal Recipients
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.
During the weekend of the Centennial Gala Celebration, additional alumni, faculty, and friends were honored.
William W. Policoff, VMD (Univ. of Pennsylvania, ’16)
DLL (Hamilton College, ’20), OD (Pennsylvania College of Optics and Ophthalmology, ’24), DSc (Hon.) ’94, FAAO, (1896-1976)
Dr. Policoff, a man of diverse talents and interests, made a tremendous impact on optometry as a pioneer, innovator and teacher in the areas of low vision and contact lenses. He was a Diplomate in the Contact Lens Section of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). Dr. Policoff was a brilliant mathematician who devised nomograms and charts to determine the optics necessary to manufacture contact lenses and low vision devices. He was an excellent machinist who adapted lathes and devised methods of manufacturing quality contact lenses and low vision devices. A born teacher, he lectured on optometric topics throughout the country and the world. In the early 1960s. Dr. Policoff established the Vision Clinic of the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Allied Services for the Handicapped, Inc. in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He served as an Adjunct Professor of Optometry for the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). In 1973, Dr. Policoff was honored with the Sir John Frederick William Herschel Medal from the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists. In 1975, he received the Alumni Association’s Public Service Award.
