Dr. Bernard Blaustein Honored at Surprise Retirement Celebration

Family, friends, and colleagues gathered at The Eye Institute (TEI) on Monday, January 22 to celebrate the retirement of Dr. Bernard Blaustein.  Affectionately known as “Uncle Bernie,” he has been fixture within The Eye Institute’s community for five decades.

A 1967 graduate of Salus University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), Dr. Blaustein has worked in a number of roles over the course of his 50 years including as director of Residency Education and associate professor at PCO – all while seeing patients in the Primary Care Service at TEI.

Fellow colleagues, many of whom Dr. Blaustein taught, were in attendance at the surprise retirement celebration. They reflected upon the impact and influence Dr. Blaustein has had on their lives, often calling him a role model.  
 
“When I first came here, I remember being so impressed with the breadth and depth of his knowledge but also who he was and how he handled himself,” said Dr. Jeffrey Nyman, director of Emergency Services at TEI. “He’s a role model for me and many others in this room. I, for one, am going to miss him.”


Others applauded Dr. Blaustein for his commitment to helping his students and residents succeed whether in the classroom or while seeing patients at TEI.

“Dr. Blaustein is a legend at TEI. He is a true gentleman - kind, compassionate, and humble,” said Dr. Maria Parisi, associate dean of Clinical Affairs. “He is a wealth of clinical knowledge and always takes time to mentor - especially the residents. “ 

“His passion for these young providers and making sure that they get what they need is to be honored and emulated,” said Dr. Susan Oleszewski, vice-president for Institutional Advancement and Community Relations. “If you can just do half of what Bernie did to train these young people, then you will have done a great service to our institution and our profession.”

In recognition of his many years of service, Salus University president Dr. Michael H. Mittelman presented Dr. Blaustein with a special embossed certificate honoring him as professor emeritus. Dr. Mittelman also announced that an exam room at TEI would be named in his honor.

Surrounded by his wife of 54 years, his children and grandchildren, Dr. Blaustein concluded the celebration by expressing appreciation for his successful career and the colleagues and friends that he’s made along the way.

“Thank you for a great 50 years. I’ve enjoyed working with everybody and I always have a smile on my face when I’m here,” he said. “It’s going to be a bit of an adjustment but I’m entering a new chapter in my life and I know that I’ll enjoy that too.”

We wish “Uncle Bernie” well in his retirement!