Megan Patterson ‘25OD is the 2023 Joseph C. Toland Memorial Scholarship Winner at PCO/Salus

Megan Patterson ‘25OD is the 2023 Joseph C. Toland Memorial Scholarship Winner at PCO/Salus

While doing a stint in The Eye Institute’s Neuro-ophthalmic Disease Service, Megan Patterson ‘25OD, was approached by Bisant Labib, OD ‘14, Resident ‘15, FAAO, co-chief of Suite 3 at The Eye Institute and associate dean of Optometric Special Programs for the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University.

Dr. Bisant wanted to know if Patterson “had received any news” that day.

“I was completely confused about what she meant, but she seemed excited and asked me to come to Suite 3 with her,” said Patterson.

On the way to the suite, they pulled Andrew Gurwood, OD ‘89, Resident ‘90, FAAO, PCO/Salus professor, aside from a lecture he was conducting with second-year students, and the three of them, along with Nia Phillips, OD ‘23, one of the 2023-2024 PCO/Salus residents, gathered together.

“They told me that they've noticed how hard I work in the clinic and they had nominated me for the Toland Scholarship,” said Patterson. “At that point, I felt extremely honored to even be considered for the scholarship and was so happy that I was one of the students they felt deserved it from our suite.”

Later in the day, Patterson received an email from Maria Parisi, OD ‘85, Resident ‘86, FAAO, associate dean of Optometric Clinical Affairs at PCO/Salus, informing Patterson that she had been named the 2023 Joseph C. Toland Memorial Scholarship winner.

The Toland Scholarship is awarded to a worthy third-year Doctor of Optometry student (or students) who is in good academic standing and demonstrates a distinctive ability to provide competent and compassionate care to his/her patients. Dr. Toland was a beloved teacher and clinical provider who selflessly supported the mission of PCO/Salus and the optometric profession through advocacy and leadership. 

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