Current Student News
Optometry
General News
When Josephine Ibironke, OD ‘03, Resident ‘04, MPH, FAAO, took over as dean of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Drexel University in September 2025, she vowed to continue the tradition of excellence that the College has been known for since its founding in 1919.
Her message to students, faculty, residents and staff has been clear: transparency, engagement, excellence and impact.
“As a PCO student, these were the commitments I benefitted from and these will continue to be our goals every single day,” she said.
As a graduate of PCO who completed her residency at its on-campus clinical facility, The Eye Institute, Dr. Ibironke has what she calls “PCO DNA,” the foundation, excellence and leadership PCO students get during their educational journey here. “I am a product of that,” she said. “It’s embedded in who we become when we start practicing.”
Dr. Ibironke notes there are many changes occurring in the optometry profession — scope expansion, AI, and emerging technologies to name just a few — and she sees PCO at the forefront of all of those, especially since the official merger of Salus University and Drexel University in July 2025.
“Now that we are merged, we are able to leverage what Drexel has and has been known for many years. The impact that we now have is even more far-reaching,” she said. “Being integrated into a larger university opens up new possibilities, new collaborations and new ways to expand our impact.”
Dr. Ibironke adds that prospective students can expect a challenging but highly satisfying journey into the optometry profession. “You will be required to draw upon not only your intellectual aptitude but also your empathy and understanding,” she said. “Because optometry, as with other health professions, is both a science and an art. And, we are confident that the training and preparation you receive here will prepare you to be a productive and successful member of the profession.”
Doctor of Optometry - Traditional Program
PCO’s Doctor of Optometry students in the Traditional Program features a cohort-based curriculum, early clinical experience and the extensive externships for which the College is recognized. Other features of this program include small group learning experiences, and a learning environment in which what you learn in the classroom is practiced in the campus labs and applied to actual patients at The Eye Institute under the guidance and supervision of faculty.
Innovation continues to drive PCO’s Traditional Program. This is most reflected in exciting updates recently made to the core curriculum. By anticipating how optometry’s role in the 21st century health care arena will continue to evolve, the curriculum is carefully crafted in a dynamic way to utilize cutting edge educational approaches and incorporate key competencies to provide you with the skills needed for contemporary practice.
“When I interviewed at PCO, I felt comfortable, welcomed, and confident that this environment would truly foster a sense of community. That factor was very important to me and ultimately solidified my decision,” said Sydney Mortimer ‘29OD.
Doctor of Optometry Accelerated Scholars Program
PCO’s Doctor of Optometry Accelerated Scholars Program is designed for highly motivated, well-qualified applicants seeking an accelerated pathway to the Doctor of Optometry. This program allows students to complete the full Traditional Program Doctor of Optometry degree requirements in an accredited, 36-month, year-round, campus-based format at Drexel’s Elkins Park campus. Entering classes begin each July, and students earn the same credit equivalency as those in the Traditional Program.
Drawn from key features of our Traditional Program and consistent with PCO’s reputation for innovation and commitment to excellence, this unique curriculum emphasizes:
The Doctor of Optometry Accelerated Scholars Program recognizes and develops individual student learning styles and leadership skills. Academically talented and motivated applicants are carefully screened and accepted based on qualifications, history of academic performance, and career path. If you are highly motivated to complete your studies, have a strong academic record, are disciplined enough for guided independent learning, and want to begin your optometric career as soon as possible, the Accelerated Scholars Program at PCO may be the best pathway for you.
“In the Clinical Skills Lab, we learn different parts of a comprehensive eye exam as well as other special procedures, such as foreign body removal, dilation and irrigation, and even double-vision evaluations,” said Claire Chabin, OD ‘24. “Having this early clinical exposure was a big reason why I picked this program.”
Residency Programs
PCO’s on-campus residency programs are recognized fir their exceptional academic and or institutional quality. Applicants are encouraged to review the on-campus and affiliated programs available on our website.
Our in-house residency programs at The Eye Institute include: Ocular Disease/Primary Care; Ocular Disease with emphasis in Glaucoma; Ocular Disease with emphasis in Retina; Pediatric Optometry/Vision Therapy; Low Vision Rehabilitation; Cornea and Contact Lenses; and Neuro-Ophthalmic Disease. PCO’s affiliated residency programs offer challenging clinical education and training in Ocular Disease and/or Primary Care in various practice modalities.
The broad, complex patient population, the nationally recognized excellence of our faculty, and the resources available to support the programs all contribute to the quality of our residencies. Because our residency programs are highly regarded, the application pool is very competitive.
The Eye Institute has, as part of its professional staff, a large number of general and subspecialty optometrists and ophthalmologists. Residents have the opportunity to work closely with these highly trained practitioners in providing the highest quality of care, while experiencing enriching educational opportunities. In addition, residents have the opportunity to follow their patients through all levels of patient care, including surgical management.
International Programs
To apply for any of the Optometry programs, click here for Admissions information.
