ELKINS PARK, Pa.—Long-time Salus University president, Thomas L. Lewis, OD, PhD, whose leadership of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) resulted in unprecedented growth that led to the establishment of Salus University, announced he is stepping down effective June 30, 2012.

The institution’s second longest serving president, Dr. Lewis led the transition of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry from a single to multi-purposed institution with the addition of a variety of degree programs that built on PCO’s legacy of educating health care professionals. As a result of this growth, Salus University was established in 2008. Today the university consists of four distinct colleges that offer 10 accredited degree programs in optometry, audiology, physician assistant studies, blindness and low vision rehabilitation and education, and public health.

Lewis is past president of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO); the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO); the Partnership Foundation for Optometric Education; the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), and the faculty organization of PCO. He is a current board member of Jeanes Hospital, the Primary Eyecare Advisory Council - OPTOS, and the executive committee of the Optometric Glaucoma Society.

Lewis informed the board of his decision to step down some time ago, and the board’s executive committee is in the process of choosing a search firm. Lewis will begin a one year sabbatical on July 1, 2012.