About Us

The Eye Institute, since opening its doors in 1978, has been a valuable vision care resource for Philadelphia and all of the Delaware Valley. As the clinical practice of The Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University, TEI employs a multidisciplinary approach – with optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, optometric technicians, optometric interns (trainees) and other health care professionals working together to provide total vision care for nearly 50,000 patients annually.

Founded in 1919, PCO has been a leader in clinical training, teaching, innovation and vision research. The Eye Institute’s expansion of services over this 30-year period is representative of the growth of its “mother organization,” PCO. Once a single purpose institution, PCO has added new degree programs in the health care field during recent years. In 2000, the College added an audiology program while 2007 brought the addition of a physician assistant program. These programs supplemented the graduate studies in vision impairment program, established in 1983.

The inclusion of new degree programs made it necessary for PCO to consider a structure clearly characterizing the diversity of this professional and graduate development. After applying and be granted university status, on July 1, 2008, Salus University was born.

Salus (Latin for health and well-being) continues PCO’s legacy of quality professional education. Most importantly, The Eye Institute remains the valued vision care resource to the community it serves, continuing to provide the highest quality eye care available. The Eye Institute - “The Clear Choice” for your vision care needs - is now part of Salus University. 

The Eye Institute’s services include adult and pediatric primary vision care, which includes testing for vision problems, with treatments typically resulting in the prescription of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Comprehensive primary eye care examinations also include a thorough assessment of the external and internal ocular health with pupil dilation. The Eye Institute can also provide vision care services to infants and toddlers in the pediatric service. 

Other Services provided in The Eye Institute include:

• Specialty contact lens design and fitting for patients with difficult refractive conditions, visual or cosmetic challenges of keratoconus or corneal scarring. (Link to Specialty Service)

• The William Feinbloom Rehabilitation Center - located at The Eye Institute - provides specialized vision and rehabilitative assessments and training for individuals with visual impairments that cannot be corrected with routine spectacle or contact lenses. The prescription of telescopes, microscopes and other special devices are often used to treat patients with eye diseases and congenital disorders, which result in significantly reduced vision. (Link to low vision service)

• Binocular vision problems and visual perceptual problems, which may contribute to reading or learning difficulties for children or adults, can be evaluated and treated with The Eye Institute’s binocular vision service. Treatment for these problems may include eyeglasses, vision therapy or both. (Link to our pediatric service)

• Medical eye care consultations and treatments in glaucoma, cataract and external disease, vitreo-retinal disease and neuro-ophthalmic conditions are available in The Eye Institute’s Specialty Service. These services are provided by a group of uniquely trained optometrists and ophthalmologists. (Link to Specialty Services)

Services (Satellites)

In addition to the many services available at The Eye Institute (Oaklane), primary eye care services are available at two additional locations in Philadelphia: The Eye Institute at Mt. Airy and The Eye Institute at Strawberry Mansion.

The Eye Institute at Mt. Airy - located on a street-front property in the revitalized heart of the Mt. Airy neighborhood on Germantown Avenue - has become a well-recognized fixture in the community. It has even become known as the “community eye doctor” for many Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy and Germantown families. Comprehensive vision care for adults and children is available at this location. If patients require specialty optometric or ophthalmologic consultation, the specialty services and doctors at The Eye Institute (Oaklane) are convenient referral resources.

The Eye Institute at Strawberry Mansion - located in the underserved Strawberry Mansion section of Philadelphia - is an important community member, as it represents the only vision care provider in this neighborhood. Comprehensive vision care for adults and children is also available at this location. If patients require specialty optometric or ophthalmologic consultation, the specialty services and doctors at The Eye Institute (Oaklane) are convenient referral resources.

3/2009