On July 1, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) will officially gain university status and adopt the name Salus University. Salus, the Latin word for health and well-being, underscores this institutions vision of an academic community that emphasizes a holistic approach to education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, and includes a commitment to interdisciplinary learning, says University President Thomas L. Lewis, O.D., Ph.D.

PCO applied to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for university status to reflect its evolution into a multipurpose institution.

Its important for the other professions not to be under the umbrella of optometry, Dr. Lewis says.

The university will consist of:

Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, the founding college and cornerstone of the new university. PCO offers a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science in Clinical Optometry (M.Sc.).

Salus University College of Audiology, which offers a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)

Salus University College of Education and Rehabilitation, which offers a Master of Science, Low Vision Therapy (M.S.); Master of Science, Orientation and Mobility (M.S.); Master of Science, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (M.S.) and Master of Education for Teachers of Children with Visual and Multiple Impairments (M.Ed.).

Salus University College of Health Science, which offers a Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.), the physician assistant program.

The university will continue to conduct research in vision science, biomedical science, audiology and education.

As we become a university, our mission is unchanged: to educate health-care professionals and educators, conduct research, and provide patient care and rehabilitative services that advance the welfare of the public worldwide, Dr. Lewis says.

From left: Ms. Jo Surpin, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Lewis and former Chairs of the Board A. Michael Iatesta, O.D., Mr. Donald M. Gleklin and Mr. Carl A. Polsky.