Interim Dean for the Pennsylvania College of Optometry Announced

Jeffrey L. Weaver, OD ‘85, MBA, MS, FAAO, FACHE, has been appointed interim dean of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), effective October 1, 2024. Salus provost Dr. Gerry O’Sullivan made this announcement. 

Dr. Weaver, an accomplished clinician, researcher, and educator, returns to his alma mater with a diverse and distinguished career in optometry. His extensive experience has included roles such as principal investigator for Anterior Segment at The Eye Research Group in Erie, Pennsylvania, and optometry director at Cornerstone Care Community Health Centers (an FQHC) in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. He has also served as Clinical Practice and Advancement Group director at the American Optometric Association and was the Founding Executive Director of the American Board of Optometry, in which he achieved National Commission for Certifying Agencies accreditation. 

In addition to his leadership in education, Dr. Weaver served as supervisory optometrist/residency coordinator for the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System from 2019-2021. He directed evidence-based patient care operations of the eye clinic within a specialty care center and two community-based outpatient clinics with a staff of 15 providers. He also oversaw the education of optometry externs from institutions such as the University of the Incarnate Word, the University of Houston, and the University of Pikeville, Kentucky. Notably, he developed and directed an accredited ocular disease residency program, gaining federal approval and funding within five months and achieving accreditation in the program’s first year.  

“We are thrilled that Dr. Weaver, who has enjoyed an impressive and diverse career in optometry, has agreed to return home to serve as the interim dean of PCO,” said Michael H. Mittelman, OD ‘80, MPH, MBA, FAAO, FACHE, Salus president. “He will be an outstanding leader and a terrific resource for our students and faculty alike, and we look forward to welcoming him back to campus.”  

Dr. Weaver has held academic appointments as an adjunct at the College of Optometry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Rosenberg School of Optometry, University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio and in the Optometry Programme, University of the West Indies.  

He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Optometry degree from PCO, also served for 30 years as a Medical Service Corps Officer with the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Colonel. In addition, he earned a Master of Science in Physiological Optics from The Ohio State University, a Master of Business Administration from Drury College, and is currently a PhD candidate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Liberty University.  

Dr. Weaver, who is board-certified as an optometrist, health care executive and association executive, has authored dozens of academic and clinical articles, led numerous presentations, and holds memberships in multiple professional organizations, including: the American Academy of Optometry, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Optometric Association, the American Public Health Association, the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, and the European Academy of Optometry and Optics.