Melissa A. Suckow

An experienced, passionate leader with over seven years of post-secondary healthcare education development and leadership. Proven track record in recruitment, program marketing, accreditation, curriculum design, and faculty development. Extensive teaching experience and successful guidance of academic teams to achieve high accreditation outcomes. Ready to bring strategic vision and leadership.

• Supervised a team of 25 staff members.
• Led a new optometric program through the accreditation process, leading to full accreditation on the first attempt.
• Developed and led interprofessional education courses for multiple medical professional programs.
• Supervised the College of Optometry in implementing new electronic medical records software, a transition in the online learning platform, and admissions software.
• Developed an internal research department, resulting in the college's participation in multiple multi-site clinical trials. Faculty and students presented over 20 research abstracts and national meetings in 2024.

• State of Illinois Optometric Licensing and Disciplinary Board, Member, 05/24 to present
• National Academies of Practice, Professional Member, 2023
• Illinois Optometric Association, Member, State of Illinois Bill Review Task Force, 2022
• Fellow, the American Academy of Optometry (2004 - present)
• Board of Directors, The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (2016-present)
• Grant Review Committee, The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (2016-present)

• Expert Witness 2021-present

           Provide optometric review and opinion on legal cases involving vision concerns

• Clinical Director, Special Olympics Opening Eyes November 2017-present

           Coordinate Eye Examinations at Special Olympics events

• Dr. Terrance N. Ingraham Pediatric Residency Award, 2002
• College of Optometrists in Vision Development Award, 2002
• William Feinbloom Low Vision Award, 2002

• Aphantasia: What is it and How Does it Affect Learning?, Optometry and Vision Science, 11/24
• Helminski JO, Keller S, Suckow M, Stein A, Grieco L, Lintakas R, Reinders C. Reliability of two dissociating tests of phoria in artificially created phoria in normal adults. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. Sept 2021; https://doi.org/10.1002/lio2.653
• Helminski J, Morris L, Suckow M. Uncompensated Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction following Vestibular Rehabilitation: Associated Risk Factors for Failed Treatment. APTA Annual Conference. Chicago, June 2019.
• Comparing Smartphone-based Refraction (NETRA) with Auto-refractive Devices under Cycloplegia, Optometry and Vision Science, 10/19
• Helminski J, Schubert M, Suckow M. Understanding the Causes of Vertical Diplopia, Red Flag or Muscle Weakness. Physical Therapy Combined Sections Meeting. New Orleans, February 2018.
• Understanding the Impact of Vision Problems on Learning, August 2013 - Presented to school nurses, occupational and physical therapists at the Chicago Public Schools
• Weissberg E, Suckow M, Thorn F. Minimal angle horizontal strabismus detectable by lay observers. Optom Vis Sci. 2004 Jul;81(7):505-9.

Book Chapters:

• Kran B, Lyons S, Suckow, M. Visual Concerns in the Child with Special Needs In Duckman R, Visual Development, Diagnosis and Treatment of the Pediatric PatientLippincott, Williams and Wilkins Publication June 2006

• First Aid Certification
• Licensed Optometrist in the State of Illinois