Vittorio Mena, OD ‘14, graduated with a Doctor of Optometry from the University’s
Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) and now specializes in corneal and contact lens management with more than six years of diverse experiences. He serves as the Sports Vision Director at the Optical Academy in New Jersey and has shown continued and active involvement in the optometry community. Dr. Mena is the Co-Clinical Director of Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes Program, servicing athletes and coaches yearly. He has also released several publications in various optometry magazines, including his latest in the Modern Optometry Magazine. Dr. Mena was awarded the “Young OD of the Year 2019” by the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians (NJSOP) and now serves on the NJSOP Board of Directors.
In her nomination letter for the
Public Service Award, Aikaterini Koukas, OD ’13, Resident ’14, highlighted Dr. Mena’s work in improving the quality of life for Special Olympics athletes as the Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes clinical director. “He created the first ever fall games in New Jersey offering both eye and dental screenings for athletes with special needs,” she said. As noted by Dr. Koukas, the optometrist also works for both the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as well as the city’s Department of Education, educating nurses, principals, teachers, coaches and educators on the importance of comprehensive eye exams at a very young age.
This award is presented to a person (or organization), preferably of national standing, who (which) has made a recent significant contribution to Salus or to their profession. The University’s
Alumni Association proudly awards Dr. Mena with the Public Service Award.