Why ICO?
ICO provides an unmatched sense of community – as someone who is not from the area and did not attend ICO, I can attest first-hand to the sense of family that ICO brings to its faculty, staff, and student populations. Faculty are dedicated to serving a diverse patient population and shape students into well-rounded clinicians. ICO’s reputable history in iconic Chicago make it an ideal location to live in and learn optometry.
Biography
Dr. Salazar graduated from the University of California – Davis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Biology and received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry in 2010. Dr. Salazar served as an active duty optometrist in the United States Navy from 2010 to 2014 and remains an active member of the United States Navy Reserve where she holds the rank of Commander. She began her career at ICO as a staff optometrist within the Diabetic Eye Center and transitioned to the role of Assistant Professor in 2020. She was promoted to Associate Professor in 2025.
Dr. Salazar spends most of her time working with students and alongside residents within Primary Care, Advanced Care, and the Rosenbloom Center on Vision and Aging. When she’s not in clinic, she enjoys conducting contract research and working one-on-one with students as the Specialty Care Educational Coordinator.
Special Interests
Ocular Disease, Primary Care
Education
2010 New England College of Optometry, OD
2005 University of California – Davis, BS
Experience
2015-present Illinois College of Optometry
2014-2015 Spex Optical, Inc.
2010-2014 United States Navy
Awards & Honors
2014, 2017, 2019, 2024 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals
Professional Organizations
Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
Member, American Optometric Association
Member, Illinois Optometric Association
Member, Armed Forces Optometric Society
Publications
Salazar, P., Speilburg, A. Rozwat, A., Chaglasian, M., Roberts, D., Morettin, C., ... Sinai, M. (2024).
Optic nerve assessment with stereo photographs and ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscope
images. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1080/08164622.2024.2438132.
Speilburg A, Brady B, Rozwat A, Salazar P, Chaglasian M. Comparison of Glaucoma Severity Stage
Between Two Thresholding Perimeters. AAO 2024.
Salazar P. Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Associated with Ipsilateral Bell's Palsy. Optometric Clinical
Practice. 2024; 6(2):37. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.37685.uiwlibraries.2575-7717.5.2.1028
Salazar P. A Case Report on Fabry Disease with Valsalva Retinopathy. Clinical Insights in Eyecare. 2023;1(1).
McLaughlin M, Salazar P, Piser D, et al. Is it Safe to Omit the One-week Postoperative Examination after Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification? Optom Vis Sci: DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002068.
