Joan K. Portello

Bio

Joan K. Portello, OD, MPH, MS, FAAO, Diplomate ABO, Department of Clinical Education is an Associate Professor at the SUNY College of Optometry, where she has been a valued faculty member since earning her Doctor of Optometry degree in 1986. She holds two additional graduate degrees—a Master of Public Health with a focus in Gerontology from Long Island University and a Master of Science in Vision Science from SUNY College of Optometry.

Dr. Portello serves as the instructor of record for the Clinical Optometry III and IV courses and is a laboratory instructor for the Ophthalmic Lasers and In-Office Surgical Procedures course. She teaches extensively within the Primary Optometric Care department and serves as a residency supervisor in the Combined Residency/Graduate Program.

A highly decorated educator, Dr. Portello has received numerous teaching honors from students as well as the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. She is also a recipient of the New York State Optometric Association’s Optometric Educator Award. From 2002 to 2008, she served as President of the SUNY College of Optometry Alumni Association. Dr. Portello has also chaired multiple committees at the College, contributing to institutional governance and academic leadership.

Dr. Portello has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters and is widely recognized for her work in Computer Vision Syndrome, where she actively mentors graduate students and presents at national conferences. She has been a frequent invited lecturer on topics including oral medications in optometric practice, ocular manifestations of systemic disease, infectious disease control, and AIDS-related considerations for optometrists.

In addition to her academic and clinical contributions, Dr. Portello holds a certificate of competency to practice optometry in Australia and New Zealand.