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.
Dr. Gideon Lang, long-time practitioner in the state of North Carolina, dramatically impacted optometry through his tireless efforts to change related state and federal legislation. He helped establish uniform educational and curricula requirements for the degree of optometry through coordination between the American Optometric Association’s Committee on Military Affairs and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. He was a leader in the fight to obtain legislation allowing the use of pharmaceutical agents in the practice of optometry in North Carolina. Dr. Lang was the second optometrist promoted to the rank of captain in the Navy Medical Service Corps, Optometry Section. He was inducted into The National Optometry Hall of Fame in 2006 and recognized for pursuing changes in the Social Security Act to grant all recipients choice in selecting an eyecare practitioner.
He passed away in June 2009.
