Southern College of Optometry

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SCO is one of the nation's leading optometry schools. Southern College of Optometry's students consistently outscores the national average in board scores and graduation rates. The College is committed to academic excellence and cutting-edge clinical training. Students and faculty enjoy the opportunity to learn and practice optometry in The Eye Center, one of the largest and most clinically advanced vision and eye care centers in the country.

Founded in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1932, SCO's influence knows no boundaries. Our students represent a broad cross-section of demographics and regional areas of our nation. Our alumni live and practice in all 50 states and abroad.

Many of our faculty received their optometric education at other schools and optometry colleges but chose to teach and practice at SCO.

SCO and its clinical presence also have meaning for the greater Memphis community. More than 60,000 patient encounters are recorded each year at The Eye Center. These patients rely upon quality vision care overseen by nearly 60 faculty members.

Our students benefit from hands-on learning as they accompany faculty on community outreach initiatives at school vision screenings and regional health care settings. SCO students even travel abroad to take eye care to those in need around the globe.

Whether you are a prospective student, faculty or staff member, a local patient needing vision care, or just an interested visitor to the SCO web site, we invite you to explore and learn more about Southern College of Optometry.

Southern College of Optometry embraces the idea that optometry is a service-oriented profession, so we are here to answer your questions or provide the service you need.

The mission of Southern College of Optometry is to lead the profession by:

• Educating the best possible healthcare providers.
• Promoting lifelong learning.
• Fostering a personal commitment to service.

Prospective students are also encouraged to learn all they can learn about optometry in advance of applying to attend Southern College of Optometry. Talking or visiting your local optometrist is a good idea. Some optometrists may allow you to job shadow them to learn more about optometry. Your level of exposure and interest in optometry will be necessary for the admissions process. Above all, the Student Services staff at SCO can assist you with questions you have as you prepare to start your first step on the road to becoming an optometrist.

You have chosen to apply to one of the nation's leading optometry schools—alma mater to 13 American Optometric Association Presidents and more than 80 years of graduating the best clinicians in the field. The Admissions Office provides outstanding service throughout the admissions process: prompt and courteous responses to your questions detailed literature that provides facts—not just fluff. We are indeed committed to recruiting and retaining the best optometry school applicants.

SCO is dedicated to helping keep optometric education affordable by rewarding top prospects with the scholarships they deserve. Most SCO scholarships are based on academic achievement (GPA and OAT scores), service leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to optometry.

There's a reason that so many prospective students choose to apply to SCO each year. SCO enjoys a reputation for providing its students with the academic and clinical education needed to succeed in the profession of optometry.

Southern College of Optometry students actively participates in the life of the College. Some of the most recognized names in organized optometry today got their start in an SCO student organization. The Student Government Association takes an active role in helping to set the course for the College. It recommends policies, and its president is an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.

SCO students are active participants in the American Optometric Student Association, the American Optometric Association's student equivalent.

Southern College of Optometry is committed to developing a robust research program in support of lifelong learning among faculty and students. Our motivation is grounded in the belief that optometry's foundation lies in the discovery and distribution of practice-changing knowledge. Faculty at SCO who are engaged in research enjoy sharing the process with students, other faculty, and collaborators.

The Department of Information Services is responsible for the overall coordination and development of innovative technologies at the College, especially computer-aided instruction. The Department maintains the Learning Resource Center (LRC), which provides equipment and technical support to enhance the understanding of the substantive and procedural aspects of optometry. Included in the LRC are computers and multimedia equipment for audio and video resources.

Students participate in a variety of team sports and athletic endeavors at the Activity Center. Also available for spouses and guests, the Center houses an indoor basketball/volleyball court, two racquetball courts, exercise equipment, lockers and showers, and student organization offices.

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