Josephine O. Ibironke, OD, MPH, FAAO, has returned to her alma mater, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University, as dean. She officially assumed the role on Sept. 15, 2025, taking the helm following a period of interim leadership.
As a student at PCO more than 20 years ago, her desire to reduce preventable blindness in children shaped her commitment to optometry and community service.
Dr. Ibironke’s career spans more than two decades in clinical care, research and academic leadership. She served as a founding faculty member at the Kentucky College of Optometry at the University of Pikeville, where she co-developed the pediatric optometry curriculum and the Leadership in Healthcare course sequence.
Later, as associate dean of professional engagement, she oversaw residencies, continuing education, international partnerships, community outreach and career development initiatives. Under her leadership, KYCO experienced significant enrollment growth, expanded clinical opportunities and launched the KYCO Vision Initiative, which provides comprehensive vision screenings for third graders in the region.
Her research contributions include landmark studies such as the Baltimore Pediatric Eye Disease Study and the Baltimore Reading and Eye Disease Study, advancing understanding of refractive error, amblyopia and the relationship between vision and academic performance.
Dr. Ibironke earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, her Doctor of Optometry degree from PCO, completed a residency in Binocular Vision and Pediatric Optometry at The Eye Institute and later received a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
COMING BACK
Her return comes at a pivotal time, following the July 2025 merger of Salus University and Drexel University. In her new role, she aims to strengthen culture and engage students, alumni and community partners while building on the college’s century-long mission to prepare optometrists to address society’s most pressing vision health challenges.
As fall classes get into full swing, Dr. Ibironke has popped into a number of classrooms to introduce herself to PCO students. “I call our students ‘my people’ because of my investment in them,” she says. “These interactions are so important to me.”
“PCO gave me my foundation,” she says. “Coming back is humbling because I get to help shape the next generation of optometrists. I’ve been where our students are—in those chairs, in those labs and in those clinics. I have PCO’s DNA. I am part of PCO’s legacy and so are they.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Ibironke plans to empower and inspire students, faculty and the PCO community. She reminds students to stay consistent to reach their goals. “Stay disciplined, but also take care of yourself and your classmates,” she says. “This is not a competition. Remember, you all have the same goal—to graduate as competent optometrists.”
Her leadership is expected to strengthen the college’s programs, advance its mission and continue its reputation for excellence in optometry education.
Dr. Ibironke’s path from PCO student to dean reflects a lifelong commitment to education, clinical excellence, and community engagement—returning home while shaping the next generation of optometrists.
