Optometry
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Amid the joyful post-commencement bustle on the rain-slicked steps outside the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, graduates adorned in gowns embraced family members and friends as cameras flashed around umbrellas and celebrations echoed through the damp air. In the middle of it all, the Joby family – mother, father, and two sons – carved out a special moment of private time for a four-way hug.
The rain did nothing to dampen the emotional impact of what they had just experienced. Moments earlier, inside the venue, the oldest son, Tom Joby, had walked across the stage to receive his Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree during the 131st commencement ceremony of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Drexel University, the first PCO stand-alone commencement since the merger of Salus University and Drexel University in July 2025.
“It didn’t come easy, but all of my hard work and perseverance were definitely worth it,” said Dr. Joby, of Houston, who will now return to his home state to practice.
His parents, Rincy Joby and Joby Joseph, were elated. “There are no words for it,” said mother Rincy Joby. “My son worked hard for this. It was sometimes a struggle for him, but he made it. We’re so proud of him.”
The commencement ceremony, held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Academy of Music, featured 136 graduates who received Doctor of Optometry degrees, which included 117 in the Traditional program, 18 in the Accelerated Scholars program, and one in the Advanced Placement program.
Drexel University president Antonio Merlo, PhD, congratulated the graduates on achieving a significant and well-earned milestone in a profession that demands precision, discipline, and a deep commitment to patient care.
“As optometrists, you will play a vital role in promoting health, advancing early detection of disease, and improving quality of life for the individuals and communities that you serve,” said Dr. Merlo. “Patients will rely on your expertise, judgment, and compassion. You’re well-prepared to meet that responsibility. Through rigorous academic study and extensive clinical training, you have developed the skills, resilience, and professionalism that will help shape the future of optometry.”
For Heimraj Resaul, OD ‘26, of Guyana, South America, that future starts immediately. He’s moving to Michigan to complete a residency with the goal of someday returning to PCO/Drexel to teach. “I just fell in love with optometry. So, this is the culmination of a lot of hard work toward achieving a big goal that at the beginning, I never knew I had,” said Dr. Resaul.
His parents, mother Rohanie and father Gobardhan Resaul, flew in from Guyana for the ceremony, arriving in Philadelphia on May 15. “It’s such a wonderful, memorable moment. I gave him a big hug,” said mother Rohanie Resaul. “I told him your future is in front of you, and you have to make it for yourself now. I have done my part,” added Gobardhan Resaul.
Anna German, OD ‘26, was the valedictorian of the Class of 2026, and during her remarks, she stressed to her classmates that they didn’t achieve their goals alone, that it takes a village to reach goals.
“I encourage you to take a moment and reflect and consider those who make up your village. Many of them are likely seated with us here today. I hope you take the time to say thank you and recognize their contributions in your lives. And, to allow them to share in the joy and success of this accomplishment,” said Dr. German. “While this degree may have your name on it, it carries the fingerprints of countless others.”
Graduate Edward Harris, OD ‘26, said he’s wanted to be an optometrist since he was a sophomore in high school. He considered becoming a neurosurgeon, but decided on optometry.
“I started wearing glasses when I was five years old, so I eventually started looking up information about eyes, which are directly connected to the brain,” said Dr. Harris, of Waveland, Mississippi. “I realized I knew absolutely nothing about the eyes, and I found that fascinating.”
That led him to PCO/Drexel because of its reputation and early clinical exposure. He’s now headed to the VA Northport Healthcare System on Long Island, New York for a residency with an emphasis in vision rehabilitation.
His father, Edward Harris Sr., grew up in North Philadelphia and was heartened to see his son return to the city to continue his education.
“It’s good to be back in town and to see my son come all the way back here from Mississippi to do his work. He’s going to be a leader in his profession and make a difference in a lot of people’s lives,” said Harris Sr., who added he was like a “proud peacock father with my chest popping out” when he saw his son walk across the stage to receive his doctorate.
Dr. Harris’ mother, Carol Zander Washington, of San Francisco, called the ceremony “wonderful and amazing.” “I’m proud of you, baby, you did it, you crossed the finish line!” she said.
Keynote speaker for the ceremony was PCO alum Joseph Shovlin, OD ‘80, FAAO, who told the new graduates when someone tells them, if you love the work that you do, you’ll never work a day in your life, just smile and remember: The work that you do each day is exactly what makes it worth loving. And that the work will matter.
“Every patient who sits in our chair brings a story, a worry, a hope. There are wonderful surprises along the way, and you will love what you do,” said Dr. Shovlin. “Every day, we have the privilege to help someone. That privilege is what makes our work meaningful.”
He added he hoped the graduates would remain curious enough to keep learning. “May we remain humble enough to know that each patient can teach us something. And, remember that the true impact of our profession is not measured by the number of patients we see each day or the number of prescriptions we write or tests we perform, but rather in the lives we quietly improve each day,” said Dr. Shovlin.
PCO dean Josephine Ibironke, OD ‘03, Resident ‘04, MPH, FAAO, celebrated the hard work and the evolution of the graduates into well-prepared, competent doctors of optometry. “You carry the leadership and professionalism,” she said. “You carry the commitment to your patients and your communities. And, you carry the PCO DNA, a rich foundation on which to do extraordinary things.”
She offered the graduates some advice:
“Now go out there and do great things,” said Dr. Ibironke.
