About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver comprehensive, clinically informed solutions that empower individuals to live full, mobile, and dignified lives. By combining expert fabrication, research, education, and advocacy, we uphold the highest standards of care in prosthetics, orthotics, and assistive technology—serving clients, clinicians, and communities with integrity, excellence, and purpose.
Meet Sara
Sara L. Peterson, PhD, CPO, FAAOP(D)
“Being an expert in the rehabilitative field provides for beneficence, non-maleficence and justice for the patient as we set forward to do no harm and provide fairness and equitably in our recommendations.”
Dr. Sara Peterson, PhD, CPO, CFM, is a research consultant and clinician with over 30 years of experience in orthotics, prosthetics, patient care, teaching, and device design. She holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh and is an ABC Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist, Certified Mastectomy Fitter, and licensed practitioner in Pennsylvania.
Her clinical background spans pediatric through adult care, with expertise in designing, fabricating, and fitting a wide range of orthotic and prosthetic devices. Dr. Peterson began her career in O&P technical training before completing her practitioner programs, later applying both clinical and technical skills while managing student projects and fabrication as a longtime Assistant Professor in the University of Pittsburgh’s Prosthetics & Orthotics program.
Her research interests include gait analysis, rehabilitation outcomes, prosthetic socket design, residual limb health, and quality-of-life technologies.
Dr. Peterson is an advocate for Responsible Advocacy and works to advance public understanding, patient rights, and equitable access to assistive technology.
O&P Clinical Innovations National Recognitions
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AAOP Outstanding Educator Award
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Named one of O&P News’ 175 Leading Innovators
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OPGA Outstanding Female of the Year Finalist
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Fellow with Distinction honor from the Academy
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Invited to the White House Design for All Assistive Technology event
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OPGA Freedom Award for five consecutive years for advancing veteran care
- Supporter of Wise Women
Approach
Process
Integration
Clinical Fabrication & Research Excellence
Our in-house facility in Mercer, Pennsylvania, is equipped to produce custom orthotic and prosthetic devices that prioritize patient comfort, function, and durability. By integrating real-world clinical expertise into every step of the fabrication process, we ensure each product meets the specific needs of the individuals and clinics we serve. Our streamlined production model allows us to deliver faster turnaround times, lower material costs, and consistent, high-quality outcomes—especially for clinics facing labor shortages or limited fabrication capacity.
OPCI is also dedicated to advancing the field of orthotics and prosthetics through research and professional development. We conduct in-house clinical and technical research to explore new materials, fabrication methods, and patient-centered device designs. In addition, we offer continuing education workshops, certification preparation, and custom training programs tailored for clinicians, students, and rehabilitation professionals. Our mission is to elevate the quality of care through hands-on learning and evidence-based practice while expanding access to these resources, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Expert Testimony & Community Advocacy
As part of our comprehensive service offerings, OPCI provides expert testimony for legal cases involving orthotic and prosthetic care, rehabilitation standards, and patient mobility. With over 25 years of clinical and academic experience, Dr. Peterson offers objective, evidence-based insights in cases related to personal injury, medical necessity, and standard of care disputes. We support attorneys, insurers, and clients through detailed evaluations, reports, and courtroom testimony rooted in clinical expertise and industry standards. Our aim is to provide optimal clinical recommendations that help clients live full lives supported by appropriate standards of care in orthotics and prosthetics.
At OPCI, advocacy is central to everything we do. Through initiatives like Shared Care and the WISE Women program, we engage in community education, policy awareness, and support services to empower patients and families. We collaborate with local organizations, schools, and policymakers to promote accessibility, workforce diversity, and inclusive innovation in the O&P industry. Advocacy is woven into every aspect of our work, from device design to community outreach, because we believe every person deserves access to mobility and dignity.
