Southern College of Optometry

The Southern College of Optometry is a renowned college of optometry in the United States. It is located in Memphis, Tennessee and is dedicated to the study of optometry, the field of medicine dedicated to not only the performance of refractive eye examinations and the fitting of necessary corrective lenses or vision therapy, but also the diagnosis and treatment of numerous ocular diseases. After completing a 4-year graduate program, students at SCO receive the degree of Doctor of Optometry (OD).

Mission
The mission of Southern College of Optometry is to educate men and women in the art and science of optometry.

History
SCO is a private institution founded in 1932, and it is one of only 17 schools of optometry in the U.S. Over the years there have been attempts to merge Southern College with a public institution in Memphis, either the University of Tennessee Health Science Center or the University of Memphis, but these efforts have never been successful.

The Eye Center
Portions adopted from: http://theeyecenter.sco.edu

The three-story Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry is believed to be the largest single-specialty health care facility of its kind in North America. Located adjacent to the eleven-story tower, fifty-five doctors provide quality eye health and vision care in approximately 60,000 patient encounters annually. One hundred and eighty interns (120 3rd year and 60 4th year) achieve unparalleled clinical patient exposure while assisting doctors in caring for patients. A four-to-one intern to doctor ratio allows for effective clinical education in a unique setting to facilitate patient flow and efficient delivery of care. Unparalleled attention to patient needs is achieved through one-on-one contact with a doctor and Intern. The Eye Center houses 65 examination rooms in 10 clinical care suites with state-of-the-art diagnostic testing / treatment capabilities and a modern optical; stocking a large variety of fashion, safety and recreational eye wear. Exceptional patient education is offered through the use of the computer-based Eyemaginations System. Flat-screen monitors in various reception areas and Optical Dispensary help patients understand more about their eye health and eye wear options. The latest in contact lens technology is available through Advanced Care Contact Lens Service. Specialty care is provided to The Eye Center's patients in any of three Services Areas including the low vision / rehabilitation service, vision therapy / orthoptics service and ophthalmology service. Similar to a teaching hospital, The Eye Center at SCO under the direction of Dr. James Burke, Vice President of Clinical Programs and Dr. James E. Venable, Chief of Staff is a primary health care facility providing services for patients, mostly from Memphis / Shelby County, West Tennessee, Arkansas & Mississippi.

Health care services offered
• Prevention • Examination • Evaluation • Diagnosis • Rehabilitation • Treatment and Management of disorders • Treatment of diseases of the visual system • Evaluation and Diagnosis of related systemic conditions • Optical Dispensary for glasses and contact lenses

The Hayes Center for Practice Excellence at SCO
Portions adopted from http://hayescenter.sco.edu

In 2005, Dr. Jerry Hayes and his wife, Cris, funded the establishment of the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence at SCO. With matching funds committed by SCO’s Board of Trustees, an endowment was created to support the Hayes Center in its mission to serve the optometric profession as the premier resource for practice management education. One of the first of its kind, the center focuses on teaching independent optometrists how to manage the business side of their practice, strategic planning, budgeting, overhead control and increasing profitability.

Trivia
One of Southern College of Optometry's most famous alumni is undoubtedly Dr. Gil Morgan. Dr. Morgan is better known as a regular from golf's PGA Tour than he is as an optometrist. He now often competes on the Champions Tour.

The winners of the Varilux Optometry Super Bowl in 2003, 2004, and 2005 were all students from SCO.

The fourth floor of the tower at SCO features the 20/20 Diner, an eatery which has received notable praise from Commercial Appeal blogger Leslie Kelly. The 20/20 is open to the public.

External link

 * Southern College of Optometry

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