History

  • In 1927, the then Pennsylvania State College of Optometry’s eye care service was considered the largest eye clinic in the country with increasing demands for service.
  • By 1930, the clinics took care of 7,000 people with over 21,000 patient visits.
  • In 1933, the buildings at both locations - 1809 Spring Garden Street and 1810 Brandywine Street - were remodeled and dedicated entirely as the College’s primary eye care clinics.
  • As of 1936, 18,000 people were cared for annually with 1,500-2,000 glasses dispensed free of charge.
  • In 1949, the College opened a contact lens clinic – the first in any college or school of optometry.
  • In 1964, the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry became the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
  • Construction on The Eye Institute, 12th Street and Godfrey Avenue, began in 1975. The 50,000+ square foot facility soon became a regional resource offering a  personalized continuity of care for patients.
  • The site was called “one of the most unique eye care facilities in the country.”
  • The Eye Institute replaced the College’s satellite branches in the northern and central sections of Philadelphia.
  • In the early 2000s, The Eye Institute added two satellite locations to better serve its surrounding community. 
  • After a multi-million dollar renovation, The "New" Eye Institute opened in May 2011 with a state-of-the-art design for high quality patient care that also respects patient confidentiality. Renovations of the second floor, which houses administrative and faculty offices, a classroom, two conference rooms, and a small café were completed in late 2011. 
  • In 2013, The Eye Institute of Salus University celebrated its 35th birthday from its “grand opening” in 1978.
  • In 2017, The Eye Institute collaborated with Ampersand Health and CityLife Neighborhood Clinics to open an embedded primary care suite within The Eye Institute.
  • The Eye Institute’s talented doctors and staff continue to provide the highest quality vision care to its patients through the collaboration and expertise of optometric physicians, ophthalmologists, opticians, ophthalmic technicians and optometric interns.