Elizabeth Tonkery

Bio

Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Tonkery is a faculty member at the State University of New York College of Optometry, where she provides clinical education and patient care in the University Eye Center's Primary Care Clinic. Her academic interests include optometric education, curriculum development, clinical competency, and educational assessment, with an emphasis on improving educational outcomes and preparing students for clinical practice. Dr. Tonkery has extensive experience in didactic and clinical education, including teaching anterior segment disease, ocular pathology, and clinical decision-making. Her clinical interests include primary eye care, ocular disease management, and contact lenses. Prior to joining SUNY Optometry, Dr. Tonkery served as Associate Dean at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, where she provided leadership in curriculum development, academic assessment, and program innovation. She has also contributed to national optometric education initiatives and received the 2021 Salus University Alumni Special Recognition Award. Dr. Tonkery earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, completed a residency in Primary Care and Ocular Disease at The Eye Institute of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and earned her Master of Public Health from Salus University.