(PRESS RELEASE) MEMPHIS, TN — Southern College of Optometry announced a multi-year expansion plan for its campus and neighboring patient clinic, The Eye Center. This $35 million project is an investment in the heart of Midtown Memphis, reinforcing the school’s presence, commitment to and impact on the City and Mid-South community. SCO has launched the “Greater Vision Campaign,” a capital campaign to support the design and construction for the facelift of the Memphis skyline landmark.
“SCO is consistently ranked among the top optometry schools in the nation, and we strive to maintain that level of excellence across our entire campus to continue driving the best and brightest students to Memphis,” said Dr. Lewis Reich, president of Southern College of Optometry. “This represents one of the most ambitious projects SCO has taken on since moving to our current campus more than 60 years ago. It’s not only an investment in the future of the profession of optometry but also an opportunity to better connect with and provide care for those in our community.”
A groundbreaking ceremony is set to take place on Thursday, April 16, at 4 p.m. at its campus at 1245 Madison Ave. The project will be completed in two phases. During Phase I, SCO will expand The Eye Center’s capabilities by constructing a new adjoining pediatric care clinic with an enhanced, dedicated space for providers to serve children from basic eye exams to complex eye diseases and injuries. The Eye Center provides care to nearly 50,000 patients annually, giving individuals access to doctors with advanced degrees and training in a variety of specialties. Additionally, it provides under- and uncompensated care to thousands of people in the Memphis community every year, ensuring everyone has access to high-quality health care services and treatments…