Southern College of Optometry (SCO) announced a multiyear 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, Tennessee, and reinforces the school’s presence, as well as its commitment to and impact on the City and Mid-South community, the college said in a press release. 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, in the press release. “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 PM at its campus at 1245 Madison Ave. The project will be completed in 2 phases. During phase 1, 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.
According to SCO, 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.
The second floor of the new building will create a new library, study areas, an outdoor terrace and mezzanine, and a coffee shop for students, faculty, and staff. Phase 2 of the project will see significant changes to the 11-story SCO tower, a familiar landmark since it opened in 1970. The building’s front facade facing Madison Avenue will be upgraded to create more open space to the entrance and main lobby and provide a more modern, open look, the press release said.
“As the only college of optometry in the State of Tennessee, SCO plays an important role in preparing the next generation of eyecare professionals while expanding access to high-quality vision care,” said George Miller, vice president for institutional advancement, in the press release. “Our graduates consistently perform among the best in the nation, and the Greater Vision Campaign will help ensure that future generations of students have the facilities and resources needed to continue that tradition of excellence while serving communities across Memphis and beyond.”
Leading up to the launch of the Greater Vision Campaign, SCO said it has secured more than $6.7 million in early commitments to support the campus project through a combination of private philanthropy and foundation grants. OM