2024 Annual Report is available online. Watch the State of the College.
March 7, 2025- New York, NY: – SUNY College of Optometry held its 2025 State of the College Address, delivered by President Dr. David Troilo. The annual event was the first address by Dr. Troilo after being named the fourth President this past summer. The event coincided with the release of the 2024 Annual Report, recapping the past year at SUNY Optometry.
The theme of “Transforming Vision” was emphasized throughout Dr. Troilo’s remarks. He spoke about the array of leadership that is present at SUNY Optometry, from education to research to patient care. “We are career builders,” he noted, “We are innovators and researchers, and we are eye care professionals.”
This year focused on priorities and highlights from each area within the college. Dr. Troilo noted the debut of the Center for Teaching and Learning this Spring. The CTL is a collaborative effort between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to enhance teaching initiatives while promoting student success with support services and educational enrichment programs.
Leadership in eye and vision research was emphasized throughout the address. Dr. Troilo noted how ongoing research enhances all areas of the college from patient care to student education. In 2024, SUNY Optometry ranked second among the schools and colleges of optometry in total annual research funds awarded at $5.2 million. The college currently holds 47 active grants with a cumulative total of $14 million. Dr. Troilo noted that over 25% of the College’s funded research activity takes place in the Clinical Vision Research Center which, since its opening in 2013, has conducted 113 studies by 24 investigators with more than 3,900 clinical study participants.
Additional highlights included the plans for new cell and molecular biology research laboratories to begin construction this summer, the opening of the new Primary Care clinic later this month and plans for renovations of the Vision Rehabilitation clinic in the University Eye Center. The UEC saw 56,914 patients in 2024 and provided $229,000 in charitable care. The College also has a new 5-year contract with NY Health+Hospitals/Gotham, established scholarships and educational opportunities with five health centers in New York State, and established a new partnership with Syracuse Community Health (SCH). The partnership with SCH is a part of the College’s expansion into Upstate New York as SUNY College of Optometry at Upstate Medical University prepares to welcome its first class of students in the Fall of 2026.
Dr. Troilo concluded with thanks to the college community for their sense of community and common purpose. With reference to SUNY’s Founding Mission, “…to provide to the people of New York educational services of the highest quality, with the broadest possible access, fully representative of all segments of the population.” He added that, “building a strong, diverse, and inclusive college community that reflects the populations we serve is fundamental to our mission. We will continue to lead – building careers, innovating and discovering, and providing eye and vision care to all who need it.”
Questions or requests for interviews may be directed to communications@sunyopt.edu.
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 Ph.D. degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites. 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 between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in midtown Manhattan. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.
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Contact: Rob Rosiello, communications@sunyopt.edu