Class Notes: Spring 2023

Preserving the Past - Salus Alumni Memory Project

Salus University is excited to announce its collaboration with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) for the Oral History Project. This initiative aims to capture and preserve the stories of individuals who have contributed to the strong history of Salus University.  Visit our website to learn more about the project and how you can get involved here: salus.edu/alumni-memory-project.

1970s

Wilbert Stock, Jr., OD ‘71, sold his medical model optometric practice and retired in June 2019 after 48 years. Dr. Stock has been married to his wife, Sarah Belle Stock (Winslow), for 46 years and is enjoying time with his two children, Tyson and Suzanne.

Kenneth Burke, OD ‘73, was the chief optometrist at the Quantico Naval Hospital between 1973 and 1976. He was in private practice behavioral optometry for 46 years and retired in August 2022, selling his practice to a husband and wife who both graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). Dr. Burke has been married to his wife Anne for 51 years. Together, they have 14 grandchildren. Dr. Burke has fond memories of his trip to Cap-Haïtien in Haiti with the Student Optometric Service to Humanity (SOSH) in 1973.

1980s

Lisa Johnson, OD ‘85, chairperson of the DC Board of Optometry, shares the exciting news that she and two other prominent African American female graduates of PCO attended the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO) 2022 Annual Meeting: Lisa Wallace-Davis, OD ‘92, president, Virginia Board of Optometry and Mesheca C. Bunyon, OD ‘99, president, Maryland Board of Examiners in Optometry. Dr. Johnson states, “This is indicative of the University’s long legacy of commitment to diversity and the thoughtful development of leadership and growth of its students. Kudos to you, Dr. Mittelman, in your commitment to continuing this legacy. I deeply appreciate your efforts and that of your staff in creating a thriving environment for all.”

Mark Margolies, OD ‘85, has been playing the guitar since he was 13 years old and released his debut contemporary blues music CD, “Can’t You See,” in March 2022. His album has been played on Sirius Radio and other stations worldwide. Dr. Margolies regularly performs with his band in the Philadelphia area. He also still maintains a private practice in Levittown, Pennsylvania.

Thomas Landry, OD ‘87, and Judy Jeffers, OD, ‘89, are optometrists at Corning Specialty Eye Care and Bath Specialty Eye Care with clinical interests in glaucoma, primary eye care, and pediatric eye care. They are currently welcoming new patients. 

Elisa Beth Haransky-Beck, OD ‘87, will release a book in 2023 called Enlivening Consciousness: Deepening Your Journey Through Vision, Movement, Nutrition, Nature and Spirit, Balboa Press, 2023. She offers individual virtual consulting online and courses live online. 

Alan Toler, OD ‘88, and his wife, Cheryl, were delighted to pin Chinook helicopter pilot wings on his son Garrett at his Fort Rucker, Alabama graduation in April 2022. After graduation, Garrett gave his parents a ride in a Vietnam Huey - 1500 feet up, with no doors and only a lap belt. Forty years ago, Dr. Toler sat in the exact seat during field exercises at ROTC Advance Camp in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

1990s

Marilyn Foran, OD ‘92, was welcomed as a new provider at Endicott Specialty Eye Care and has clinical interests in comprehensive eye exams, corneal and external disease, and dry eyes. Dr. Foran is currently welcoming new patients. 

Richard Malara, OD ‘92, is the immediate past president of the Central New York Optometric Society CNYOS (2018 - 2022) and was named New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA) Optometrist of the Year.

Michael Acker, II, OD ‘96, owns a premiere black-owned optometry practice, Acker Optique, one of the only providers in America certified to carry the Black Panther capsule collection designed by African-based eyewear company, Bôhten.

Shawn Thomas, OD ‘98, founded Eastern Eye Care and has joined the growing U.S. Eye network of premium eye care practices. Dr. Thomas has been practicing for more than two decades and specializes in caring for patients with advanced ocular diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eye, and cornea conditions. He is committed to continuing education and advancing the eye care industry, having published numerous journal articles on refractive surgery and lectured at conferences across the U.S. and internationally.

2000s

Archima Major, OD ‘03, FAAO, received a citation from the City of Philadelphia's City Council for rendering outstanding eye care services and enrichment to the City of Philadelphia and the African diaspora via medical mission initiatives. She was also featured in the Philadelphia Sun Magazine for "Saving Lives Through the Eyes."

Melissa Kluesner, MMS ‘09, became a Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional through the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.

Teresa Vigario, OD ‘09, has been married for 11 years and has two beautiful daughters. Dr. Vigario enjoys working in a multidisciplinary group focused on ocular disease, and is currently working on an up-and-coming Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) retinal imaging project to help save sight worldwide.

2010s

Anthony M. Firetto, MMS ‘15, will graduate in the first cohort from the University of Pittsburgh's Doctorate of Physician Assistant Studies (DPAS) program this April. His focus in the program is healthcare administration with intentions to expand his knowledge of implementation, practice-based learning, and improvement science. He hopes to use his leadership to turn his unique experiences and challenges into meaningful change for the PA profession, his community, and most importantly the patients and students he serves. 

Jaclyn Coyner, OD ‘18, joined Levin Eye Care in Anne Arundel County, Maryland in November, 2022. 

2020s

Amanda Srinivasan, MMS, ‘20, PA-C, has served patients as a Certified Physician Assistant with Regional Nephrology Associates since May 2021.

Jonathan Zobek, MEd ‘22, will continue his education at Kean University taking psychology courses. 

Alyssa Gasser, OD ‘22, was welcomed to SightMD’s Expert Team in Pennsylvania. Dr. Gasser is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the Pennsylvania Optometric Association. 

Sarah Gloninger, MSOT ‘19, currently works at Penn Medicine at Home with Jackie Lannon, MSOT ‘19. They recently presented at the International Virtual Reality Healthcare Global Symposium on the “Use of VR in the Home Health Setting to Improve Functional Performance for Community Dwelling Adults”.

FORMER FACULTY/BOARD

Louis J, Catania, OD ‘69, FAAO, DSc, PCO adjunct professor, published the third and newest edition of “Catania’s Primary Care of the Anterior Segment” textbook.