SUNY COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY WELCOMES CLASS OF 2029
New York, NY — SUNY College of Optometry has officially welcomed the Class of 2029, a well-rounded, vibrant, and accomplished cohort of 96 new students who began classes last month. The group, which includes 77 women and 19 men, represents one of the strongest cohorts in the nation and continues the College’s tradition of academic excellence, leadership, and service.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Class of 2029 to SUNY College of Optometry,” said Guilherme Albieri, PhD Vice President for Student Affairs and Engagement. “These students bring outstanding academic achievement, passion for patient care, and a diversity of experiences that will strengthen our community. We look forward to the impact they will make here and in the field of optometry.”
Beginning this fall, members of this year’s incoming class will pilot an innovative model of teaching and learning that will be used when SUNY Optometry opens an extension of the Doctor of Optometry program at SUNY Upstate Medical University. This pilot will simulate the synchronous, dynamic connection of the two campuses allowing the current students to share suggestions for improvements prior to the launch. The Syracuse program will expand access to optometric education, promote collaborative research, and help meet the growing demand for vision care across Central New York.
“Our Student Affairs team and Admissions Committee have done a great job in bringing a strong, dynamic class to the SUNY Optometry community,” said President David Troilo, PhD. “We are excited for the future of the College, the role the Class of 2029 will play in advancing our campus, and our expansion into Central New York region with the OD program in Syracuse.”
The College expressed its gratitude to the Admissions Team including Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management, Dr. Christian Alberto and Assistant Director of Admissions, Karissa Sworski. Additionally, the College thanks the 2024–25 Admissions Committee — Drs. Steiner, Beaton, Velez, Vaughn, Modica, Butera, Zuckerman, Putnam, Kartha, Harewood, and Wong — for their invaluable work in assembling the Class of 2029. SUNY Optometry also extended their deep appreciation to the alumni who hosted students for shadowing opportunities as well as faculty who participated in orientation activities earlier this month, helping ensure a smooth transition for the incoming class.
As these 96 students embark on their journey, they join a community dedicated to advancing vision care, expanding access, and training the next generation of optometrists and vision scientists.
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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. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.