SUNY College of Optometry President Invited to Historic Vatican Audience Through Global Eye Care Connection
New York, NY — SUNY College of Optometry announced today that President David Troilo, PhD, and Dr. Melissa Levine, assistant clinical professor, have been formally invited to attend a private audience at the Vatican in Rome in December, reflecting the College’s growing global reach and the international impact of its leadership in education, research and patient care. The invitation was extended through a unique professional connection with the official optician to the Holy See, Alessandro Spiezia, who has provided eye care services to Pope Francis and the two previous popes.
The invitation stems from a photo contest held earlier this year at SUNY Optometry’s University Eye Center, where a photograph taken by Dr. Levine of one of the oldest optical practices in Rome was selected for display. The image was shared with Mr. Spiezia who owns Ottica Spiezia and expressed his appreciation to the SUNY Optometry community. He, in turn, extended a formal invitation for Drs. Troilo and Levine to join him and other distinguished vision care leaders in attending a Vatican audience traditionally held in connection with the Feast of St. Lucy, the patron saint of sight.
“This invitation is a meaningful recognition of the global relationships that emerge from our work in eye care, education and research,” said Dr. Troilo. “It reflects how the mission of SUNY Optometry reaches far beyond New York City and connects to an international community dedicated to advancing vision health and serving patients everywhere.”
The Roman optical practice that extended the invitation has served as the personal optician to Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II. The Feast of St. Lucy is celebrated annually on December 13 and honors the patron saint of sight and light, whose legacy is deeply rooted in compassion, service and care for the vulnerable.
SUNY College of Optometry’s mission centers on educating future optometrists and vision scientists, advancing discovery through research, and providing high-quality, accessible eye care to tens of thousands of patients each year through its University Eye Center. The College’s growing international presence reflects its role as a leading academic health center in vision care.
“We take pride in the fact that the work of our faculty and students continues to open doors and build relationships across borders,” Dr. Troilo added. “These moments remind us that eye care is a global profession grounded in shared purpose and service.”
Additional details and photographs will be released following the conclusion of the visit.
About SUNY College of 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, visit www.sunyopt.edu.
###