Veteran Optometric Educator Brings Two Decades of Academic & Clinical Leadership to SUNY Optometry
New York, NY —SUNY College of Optometry today announced the appointment of Dr. Melissa E. Trego, OD, PhD, as Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs after a national search. A seasoned educator, clinician, and a national leader in optometric education, Dr. Trego will oversee all optometric academic programming at the College, including curriculum development, residency programs, accreditation, faculty development, and strategic planning.
Dr. Trego most recently served as Dean of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, where she led academic affairs, developed a Doctor of Optometry Accelerated Scholars Program, and chaired multiple accreditation initiatives. Throughout her tenure at Salus, Dr. Trego was deeply engaged with students as both an instructor and clinician, regularly teaching foundational science courses and mentoring residents in The Eye Institute. Her academic career also includes instruction, program development, and advising across Europe and Asia, establishing her global perspective on optometric training.
“Dr. Trego is a well-respected academic whose proven expertise in optometric education will add tremendous value to our team. SUNY Optometry deeply values community and leadership, and Dr. Trego’s impressive experience exemplifies her commitment to both,” said Dr. David Troilo, PhD, President of SUNY Optometry. “An outstanding leader and educator, she is highly regarded across the profession for her passion, academic vision, and ability to build programs that elevate the standard of optometric education. We look forward to welcoming her to the SUNY Optometry family and all she will accomplish in her new role.”
Dr. Trego holds a Doctor of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Cardiff University in Wales. She completed her residency in Primary Care and Ocular Disease at The Eye Institute. She has served in key national leadership roles, including President of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), and remains a dedicated advocate for advancing health education.
“I am honored to join SUNY Optometry and build on its legacy of excellence in vision science and clinical education,” said Dr. Melissa E. Trego, OD, PhD. “The College has long been recognized as a leader in optometric innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, and I look forward to working closely with their students, faculty, and staff to help shape the next chapter of its academic future.”
Dr. Trego will begin her tenure this June.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2025
Media Contact: Dawn Rigney
communications@sunyopt.edu 212-938-5600
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About SUNY Optometry
Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research, and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and PhD degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites as well as an on-site clinic, the University Eye Center. SUNY Optometry is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; its four-year professional degree program and residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. All classrooms, research facilities and the University Eye Center, which is one of the largest optometric outpatient facilities in the nation, are located on 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.