Thomas L. Lewis

Thomas Lewis, OD, PhD, served as president of Salus University for 23 years. Under his direction the institution grew from a single purpose college of optometry into a health professions university offering degrees in optometry, audiology, physician assistant studies, rehabilitation and education for the blind and visually impaired, occupational therapy and public health. Dr. Lewis also left his mark on the profession of optometry and on optometric education. He served as president of the American Academy of Optometry, the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. He played an important role in expanding the scope of practice of optometry both by testifying at legislative hearings in many states as well as by lecturing in continuing education across the country so that optometrists could enhance their skills to meet the demands of an evolving profession.