Centennial
As Salus University’s founding College, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), begins a new century, it is time to turn our eyes to what the future holds not only for the College, but also the University as a whole.
The following letters were collected from the University’s president, Michael H. Mittelman, OD ’80, MPH, FAAO, FACHE; the dean of PCO, Melissa Trego, OD ’04, Resident ’09, PhD; and the chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, Jo Surpin, MA.
Dear Friends and Fellow Alumni,
One hundred years ago, Dr. Albert Fitch had the vision of establishing a world-class optometry college that would redefine how future optometrists would be trained in the medical model. That vision was realized with the establishment of the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO) – the Pennsylvania College of Optometry’s original name - in 1919.
For 100 years now, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) has been leading the way in optometric education and driving the optometric profession towards clinical excellence. Today’s optometric profession is practiced at a high level because of what PCO has accomplished over the years. That legacy has been left to all of us to grow and nurture. It continues with the progressive curriculum today’s world-class faculty currently teaches extremely talented students in technologically enabled classrooms and clinical facilities, as part of Salus University’s programs, on both our Elkins Park and East Oak Lane campuses.
As the healthcare landscape continues to change around us, PCO will again play a significant role and lead the way in which optometry must be practiced for the next 100 years. We’re embracing disruptive technologies such as tele-optometry, virtual reality training and artificial intelligence, in addition to advocating for an increased scope of practice to include the management of diabetes and hypertension, which is consistent with today’s training.
Optometry is a profession in transition and PCO will continue to do what it has done for the past 100 years – lead the profession into the future. I’m absolutely honored and excited to work with our talented faculty and staff to maintain optometry’s position as the nation’s leading primary eye care profession.
Michael H. Mittelman, OD ’80, MPH, FAAO, FACHE
Salus University President
Fellow Alumni and Friends,
As the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) celebrates its Centennial Anniversary, we must also celebrate the accomplishments of those who have laid the foundation for our path forward.
The success of PCO as a leading optometric institution has only been possible as a result of the hard work and efforts of our distinguished faculty today and in the future.
To the presidential medal recipients, it’s my privilege to work side by side with you all as we chart a course for PCO’s future.
Let us all embrace our legacy as an optometric institution and continue to stand as proud PCO alumni. As we enter the next 100 years, I ask you to remember where you came from and help us focus on the bright future of PCO.
Melissa E. Trego, OD ’04, Resident ’09, PhD
PCO Dean
Dear Alumni and Friends,
I am happy to celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of PCO. I joined the PCO Board of Trustees in 1995, almost 25 years ago, and was elected chair of the Board in 2007 as the first woman in its 100 years. I was fortunate to oversee the transition from being a single purpose college to the establishment of Salus University in 2008. It is an incredible honor to serve on the Board and to be part of the Salus community.
Now 10 years later, Salus University is guided by our vision to “impact the future of healthcare, education and professional practice” and by our mission of “advancing integrated healthcare through innovative education, research and clinical services.” As patient care, in general, is being provided in a more integrated way, the idea of interprofessional education is natural. Optometry has always been considered our marquee program, but regardless of the size of each college it is clear that each strengthens the other. It is a good example where “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Silos are difficult to breakdown, but we have made considerable progress and Salus is poised to be a leader in this area.
I think the PCO founders would be proud of what we have become. We train healthcare professionals and employ state-of-the-art technology, but most importantly never forget to meet the needs of our patients. We are financially strong, innovative and recognized as leaders in all our disciplines which allows us to attract the best students and faculty.
I am excited about our future and I look forward to being part of Salus as we continue to evolve. I hope we can count on all of you to be part of it too.
Jo Surpin, MA
Chair, Salus University Board of Trustees
