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In his 41 years as an optometrist, Glenn Corbin, OD ‘82, has trained approximately 300 student interns from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University and the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), where he serves as preceptor and adjunct faculty at both institutions.
In fact, five of his students have returned to become faculty members themselves at PCO/Salus — Andrew Gurwood, OD ‘89, Resident ‘90, FAAO; Holly Myers, OD ‘86, Resident ‘87; David Meltzer, OD ‘02, FAAO; Christin DeMoss, OD ‘17, Resident ‘18; and Nicholas Gidosh, OD ‘15. Two others, Kerry Burrell, OD ‘03, and Amanda Legge, OD ‘12, are now partners in Dr. Corbin’s practice. And, many others have gone on to be chiefs at Veterans Affairs Centers or directors at other institutions.
“I love watching my students succeed,” said Dr. Corbin. “It’s very heartwarming to see that and know that I played some role in their successes.”
His passion and dedication to the profession hasn’t gone unnoticed at his alma mater. In fact, PCO/Salus is presenting Dr. Corbin with its highest honor in naming him a 2023 Presidential Medal of Honor awardee. He will be presented the award Sept. 18, 2023, at the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia.
“Glenn Corbin is a kind and passionate practitioner, mentor, clinician and friend. He is always generous with his knowledge and time,” said Dr. Gurwood. “He set an excellent example as a knowledgeable optometrist and lifelong learner, is a leader in our state’s optometric development and has encouraged students to be involved.”
Dr. Corbin originally entered PCO in 1978, which was an exciting time for the institution. It was the year The Eye Institute officially opened and there were a lot of opportunities for both him and his classmates.
“There was a lot of the new faculty that had come along during that period,” he said about his comfortable experience.
After graduation from PCO, he joined Wyomissing Optometric Center and immediately started teaching interns the very next year. Over the ensuing years, Dr. Corbin helped build the practice to its current staff of six optometrists and 35 staff members with three locations in Wyomissing, Douglassville, and Myerstown, all in Pennsylvania.
Dr. DeMoss had the opportunity to work with Dr. Corbin during her third-year rotation and said she learned a lot about how to run a successful group OD practice from him.
"His practice model is unique and provides an excellent patient experience without compromising quality of care," said Dr. DeMoss. "Although I work in a very different patient care environment now than Dr. Corbin does, I use my time as an intern at his office to educate my students who are interested in private practice that it is possible to have a highly successful practice while also providing top notch patient care."
In addition to his practice, he is chief of optometry at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center; is on the Allied Health medical Staff at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center performing inpatient consults and Emergency Department eye care; and serves as a consulting medical staff member at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Reading, Pennsylvania.
“I have a very unique, highly medical practice and we have hospital privileges,” said Dr. Corbin. “We play a tremendous role in the healthcare system. We care for emergency patients, we do in-patient eye care for emergencies or consultations that are needed. It’s gratifying how well-respected we are and what a great role optometry can play in a hospital setting.”
Dr. Corbin enjoys primary eye care practice, with a special interest in glaucoma and ocular surface disease management (infection, allergy, inflammation, and dry eye). He serves as a principal investigator for numerous pharmaceutical companies in conducting FDA clinical trials to test new medications and devices. He is recognized for his lectures, both locally and nationally, and has authored numerous professional articles and contributed to several textbooks and professional journals. In 2014, he was selected as the Albert Fitch Memorial Alumnus of the Year for his contributions to PCO/Salus and the profession of optometry. In 2015, Dr. Corbin was recognized by his peers throughout Pennsylvania and was awarded the Berks County “Optometrist of the Year” and the Pennsylvania Optometric Association state “Optometrist of the Year.”
The profession itself has changed dramatically over the course of Dr. Corbin’s career and he has stayed on top of all the advancements and technology.
“I’m still very passionate about optometry after all these years. I’m fortunate that the type of practice that I have, my partners, associates and staff are amazing,” he said. “And, above all, my patients are incredibly loyal. It’s allowed me to enjoy what I do and allowed me to practice at such a high level. That has made practice much more enjoyable.”
Dr. Corbin is at an age when many of his peers are retiring. And, his patients often ask if he is headed for retirement anytime soon. He assures everyone, though, he’s not yet ready for the rocking chair.
“I love what I do, I love to work. Work is not a burden for me, I don’t feel like it takes away from my personal or family life,” he said. “I have a wonderful staff and very loyal patients and I love taking care of them. My angst to get out of working is just not there. I love getting up in the morning and coming to the office.”
The Presidential Medal of Honor is bestowed upon those who have made significant contributions to their profession and for their service to Salus.
“Whenever you receive any type of accolade or acknowledgment from your peers, it’s very humbling,” he said.
