Melissa A. Vitek

Melissa A. Vitek is an Associate Professor at Salus University's Pennsylvania College of Optometry, serving as Dean of Global, Interprofessional, and Specialized Programming. She also leads the MSc in Clinical Optometry program and coordinates the Interprofessional Evidence-Based Practice course. Her academic roles include clinical teaching at The Eye Institute and collaborations with international institutions.

Education:

• EdD (in progress), University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (expected June 2025)
• OD, Pennsylvania College of Optometry
• BS, Optometric Technician Program, Manor College

Research Interests: Focuses on interprofessional education (IPE), evidence-based clinical decision-making, optometric global standards, and health disparities. Her work emphasizes collaborative healthcare models and advancing optometric practice through interdisciplinary approaches.

Awards & Recognition:

• Fellow of The American Academy of Optometry
• Best Poster Award, Interprofessional Education Collaborative Virtual Poster Fair (2023)

Labs/Teams: Leads Salus University's Interprofessional Evidence-Based Practice initiatives, collaborating with medical schools, global optometry programs, and public health organizations.