Janet Summers

Dr. Janet Summers is an optometrist from Pittsburgh, Pa. She graduated from Chatham University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Spanish. She then moved to Philadelphia to Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Vision Science and the Doctor of Optometry, receiving a clinical excellence citation and gaining membership in the Gold Key Society. Her externships were in primary care settings including Genessee Valley Group Health Plan in Rochester, N.Y., Cumberland Regional Health Plan in New Jersey, and Everett and Hurite Ophthalmic Associates in Pittsburgh. She obtained certifications as a Certified Managed Healthcare Professional and in Nutraceuticals for Healthcare Professionals. Dr. Summers was appointed Chief of Optometry at Penn Group Health Plan where she supervised 7 eyecare departments in multidisciplinary clinics. She established five private practices where she precepted optometry students from the Pa College of Optometry. Dr. Summers served as Chair of Continuing Education for the Western PA Optometric Society. As an adjunct faculty member of Chatham University, Dr. Summers taught Anatomy and Physiology to LPN students. She served on the Allegheny County Board of Health and as an optometrist at the VA Medical Center. She was issued a Proclamation by Allegheny County for service. As a two term Chair of the Pennsylvania Board of Optometry and National Board Examiner, Dr. Summers became a Regional Quality Assurance Reviewer and was subsequently recruited to San Antonio as a Vice President of Clinical Standards and Medical Director. There she was nominated for the Jefferson Award for Public Service at the national level. Her commitment to eyecare included several mission trips to underserved parts of the U.S. and the world, including one to Panama with RSO students. Dr. Summers obtained a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2022.