Southern College of Optometry Attracts Students Nationwide

Memphis, Tennessee, September 3, 2025

News Summary

The Southern College of Optometry (SCO) in Memphis, Tennessee, continues to draw significant interest from students across the U.S. and Canada, enrolling over 100 new students annually. With more than 500 students currently enrolled, SCO offers a unique blend of rigorous optometric education and a vibrant urban lifestyle amid diverse neighborhoods. Aside from exceptional training, students enjoy Memphis’s renowned culinary scene, recreational activities, and a supportive community environment. SCO also emphasizes community service through its outreach programs, serving thousands of patients each year.

Memphis, Tennessee – The Southern College of Optometry (SCO), recognized as one of the premier optometry schools in the United States, is drawing remarkable interest from students across the nation and Canada. With an impressive annual enrollment of over 100 new students, SCO currently hosts more than 500 students from more than 40 states and Canada, all seeking advanced education and training in optometry.

Located in Memphis, SCO offers a unique combination of rigorous optometric education and a vibrant urban lifestyle. The diverse neighborhoods surrounding the campus provide students with an array of living options, including Downtown, Mud Island, the Medical District, Midtown, and East Memphis, each boasting its own distinctive traits and amenities.

Mud Island is particularly favored among SCO students due to its community-oriented atmosphere, convenient access to downtown Memphis, and picturesque views along the Mississippi River. Many students are drawn to SCO not just for the education but for the lifestyle that Memphis offers, blending the advantages of urban life with a welcoming small-town charm.

Students can often be found enjoying Memphis’s renowned culinary scene, famous for its barbecue. Local favorites such as Bain Barbecue, Central BBQ, The Rendezvous, and The Bar-B-Q Shop are popular among the student body. Additionally, diverse dining options ranging from breakfast spots like Sunrise and Brother Juniper’s to beloved dessert venues such as Gibson’s Donuts also attract students’ interest, allowing them to savor the regional flavors.

Recreational activities abound in Memphis, as students engage in walking, exploring greenspaces such as Shelby Farms and Overton Park, and attending shows at the distinguished Orpheum Theatre. The local sports culture is alive, with support for teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Redbirds providing a sense of community and excitement.

The arts scene in Memphis is another highlight, with venues such as the Dixon Gallery and Gardens offering free admission for exploring local art and culture. The friendly demeanor of Memphis residents has fostered a supportive environment, allowing students to feel integrated into the local community easily.

SCO is committed to providing students with excellent clinical education through its facilities, The Eye Center and FocalPoint clinic, which serve close to 60,000 patients annually. This hands-on experience is complemented by the college’s Community Outreach Program, which offers no-cost care to over 5,000 patients each year. This commitment to community outreach underscores the importance SCO places on nurturing character and a sense of community among its students.

Overall, SCO continues to be a vital contributor to the Memphis community, with its students not only receiving top-tier education in optometry but also embracing the rich culture, diversity, and genuine Southern hospitality that define the city.

Key Features of the Southern College of Optometry

• Location: Memphis, Tennessee
• Enrollment: Over 500 students from 40+ states and Canada
• Annual New Student Recruitment: Over 100 students
• Community Outreach Program: No-cost care for 5,000+ patients annually
• Clinical Facilities: The Eye Center and FocalPoint clinic
• Patient Services: Nearly 60,000 patients served annually
• Neighborhoods: Includes Downtown, Mud Island, Medical District, Midtown, East Memphis
• Culinary Scene: Famous for barbecue, diverse dining options
• Recreational Activities: Walking, sports, arts scene

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Additional Resources

• WREG: New Eyeglasses with Hearing Aid Tech at Southern College of Optometry
• Wikipedia: Southern College of Optometry
• Fox13: Eye Clinic Changes Perspective for Mid-South Kids
• Google Search: Southern College of Optometry
• Daily Memphian: Southern College of Optometry Attracts Students Nationwide
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Optometry
• Local Memphis: Memphis Optometrist Glen Steele Retiring
• Google News: Southern College of Optometry

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.