Our Staff

Nicholas A. Sala, D.O.

Medical School: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine 1982-86 Internship: Metro Health Center 1986-87 Family Practice Residency: Metro Health Center 1987-88 Ophthalmology Residency: Flint Osteopathic Hospital 1988-91 Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship: Children’s Hospital of Michigan 1991-92 Certification: American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology - 1994

Dr. Nicholas Sala has been practicing in Erie for over 20 years. He specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of both pediatric eye diseases and adult strabismus (crossed eyes). He concentrates on surgery to correct strabismus in children and adults, pediatric cataracts and glaucoma, tear duct obstruction and pediatric eyelid abnormalities including ptosis (droopy eyelids) surgery. He also evaluates premature infants for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at both N-ICUs.

Dr. Nicholas Sala and Pediatric Ophthalmology of Erie, Inc. are extremely active in research. He is a member of PEDIG (Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group), an organization of over 150 pediatric ophthalmologist across the US and Canada. He has won countless recruitment awards and continues to be a major contributor to the past and current research studies.

Dr. Nicholas Sala is a member in the following organizations:

American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS)
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology (AOCO) – fellow
American Osteopathic Association (AOA)

Hospital Affiliations/Surgery Centers:

UPMC Hamot Medical Center / Hamot Same Day Surgery Center
Allegheny Health Network - Saint Vincent Health System / Saint Vincent Surgery Center
Village SurgiCenter

Dr. Wesley Cox

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Wesley Cox to Pediatric Ophthalmology of Erie, Inc. He will join us in early September 2020. He will assist Dr. Nick in providing comprehensive eye health and vision exams to children. Dr. Cox has a strong interest in Pediatrics and specialty contact lens fittings. Dr. Cox received his Bachelor of Science degree in exercise physiology form West Virginia University and his doctorate from Salus University-Pennsylvania College of Optometry. When searching for his next career move, he made it a priority to join a practice that aligned with his professional values. “I wanted to join a private practice that allows me to give my full attention and care to each individual patient, as well as a practice that gives me the freedom and resources to be the best optometrist I can be.” Says Dr. Cox. Pediatric Ophthalmology of Erie, Inc. has presented a great opportunity for me to treat children in Erie. Dr. Cox is from Elizabeth, WV where he frequently visits his family and loves spending time with his niece and nephew. Dr. Cox is a die-hard fan of his alma mater’s athletics, the West Virginia University Mountaineers and used to regularly attend its football and basketball games. Dr. Cox also enjoys the outdoors, including activities such as golfing, fishing and many others.

V. Lori Zeto, CO, COMT

Lori has been an orthoptist since 1997, working alongside Dr. Sala since 2003. An orthoptist evaluates and treats patients with eye muscle disorders. Orthoptist’s serve patients of all ages, but because of the nature of many eye muscle disorders, a lot of the patients are children. Adult care in the field of orthoptics is rewarding and challenging treating patients with prisms and /or exercises to help with double vision and eye muscle disorders.

Lori is originally from Newfoundland, Canada but has lived in Erie since 2003. She graduated from the IWK hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1997. She has a Bachelor of Science (Honors) from Memorial University. She has a degree in Orthoptics and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technology. She presented a poster at A.A.P.O.S. looking at the effectiveness of Bangerter filters in the treatment of amblyopia. She currently is a research coordinator for PEDIG. Lori is an American Orthoptic Council (AOC) and a JCAHPO certified ophthalmic medical technologist. She is a member of the American Association of Certified Orthoptists and the American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

Lori and her husband, Shawn, have a son, Dominic, born July 31, 2007. They all love Erie, fishing and the Pittsburgh Steelers!

Nicholas Sala II COA, C.O.

Nick graduated from Penn State University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He spent several years working in the medical field prior to enrollment to orthoptic program at the University of Buffalo where he studied childhood vision development and pediatric eye disease. He graduated and achieved certification by the American Academy of Certified Orthoptics (AACO) in 2016 and has been working at Pediatric Ophthalmology of Erie ever since as a proud member of Dr. Sala’s team.

Nick acts as Dr. Sala’s Pediatric Eye Disease Investigation Group (PEDIG) study coordinator and helps recruit patients for nationwide studies funded by National Institute of Health (NIH). He also maintains his certifications with Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) through yearly meetings with continuing education credits as well as with AACO and enjoys presenting new research topics. He has grown up in Erie and is passionate about community eye care. Nick enjoys helping with elementary school vision screenings, education and is always available to answer any questions in that regard.

Rhonda Hodde, ABOC

Rhonda has worked in the eyecare business for over 34 years. She started out as an optician, then worked for Dr. Sala as a Pediatric Ophthalmic Technician and is now back to her roots as an optician specializing in children’s eyeglass needs. Rhonda understands the profound effect that proper measurements, frame fitting and lens choice have on both vision and treatment of childhood eye conditions.

Rhonda is very passionate about educating parents regarding their role in the process of frame and lens selections as well as the importance of being positive and encouraging their child to wear their glasses. She instructs parents on proper cleaning, handling and how to detect when glasses are out of adjustment. Her expertise is not only shared with the children that purchase glasses at our optical but with any parent or patient that has questions about aspects involved in their child’s new glasses.