Diplomate Spotlight – Michelle Wertelet, OD

Dr. Michelle Wertelet was among the first in the profession to become board certified after passing the inaugural exam in 2011. She believed that as a voluntary process, attaining Diplomate status was an ideal path to continually demonstrate her dedication to maintaining a higher standard. “Board certification in optometry shows that we are committed to maintaining standards of care and continually updating our knowledge as our profession evolves,” said Dr. Wertelet. “I also find maintenance of certification to be a rewarding experience and appreciate how it allows me to keep up with topics that I do not use in everyday practice.”

A 2005 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Dr. Wertelet went on to complete a pediatric residency at UAB School of Optometry in 2006. She spent the following year as an assistant professor at UABSO, immersing herself in academia, including participation in PEDIG studies and CITT. Near the end of 2007, Dr. Wertelet received an offer to join Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, a private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that allowed her to be closer to her family. Thirteen years later, she still practices at Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, focusing on children with special needs and pediatric eye disorders, and considers herself fortunate to have such a supportive and congenial group of colleagues.

Since becoming a Diplomate in 2011, Dr. Wertelet has taken on many volunteer roles within ABO. Over the years she has served as an item writer and reviewer, a CAP researcher and a member of the Job Task Analysis (JTA) committee. Her time, willingness to participate and clinical expertise have been an invaluable asset to ABO. Dr. Wertelet also serves ASCO as a consultant for residency programs and is the current president of the Western Pennsylvania Optometric Society. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wertelet continues her volunteer work outside of the profession serving as a catechist for sixth grade in her parish, Archangel Gabriel, and as an assistant basketball coach for grades 2-4. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two young boys, Lucas, 8 and Nathan, 6 and cherishes every moment of watching them grow and learn. Rounding out her free time, Dr. Wertelet can be found curled up with a good book, cooking or playing a round of golf with her husband.

We thank Dr. Wertelet not only for her dedication to the profession, but for her commitment to board certification and the countless hours of volunteer time she has invested to make our program truly exceptional.