$204,773
AVERAGE NET INCOME FOR OPTOMETRISTS WHO OWN ALL OR A PORTION OF THEIR PRACTICE
Optometry as a Career
During your educational journey, many windows of opportunity will open for you. Whether through your courses, organizations or simply the people you meet, the key to finding the best career match for you is to keep an open mind. We at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) encourage you to explore your options and ask questions.
At SCO, your educational training will prepare you for this outstanding career.
Remember, your education is an investment in your future. If you make sound decisions now, you will reap the benefits later.
If you are interested in a profession that helps people live better lives, provides a stimulating work environment, and allows you and your family to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without sacrificing work/life balance, optometry is a career you should investigate!
Who are 0ptometrists?
Optometrists are primary care providers for eye and vision care who diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye, the visual system and associated structures.
Where do optometrists work?
Anywhere and everywhere! Optometrists work in a variety of settings ranging from a solo or group private practice, to larger venues such as hospitals, health maintenance organizations and referral centers.
Is there more to optometry than glasses and eye exams?
The optometric field is vast, diverse and growing every day. Optometrists are now providing patient services in the areas of specialty contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, sports vision rehabilitation and post-surgical care, just to name a few.
What is the day-to-day like for an optometrist?
Flexibility allows optometrists to enjoy a work/life balance that prioritizes personal health and family obligations. Many optometrists own or partner a practice and experience the role of not only doctor and healthcare professional, but also smallbusiness owner.
What income can an optometrist expect to earn?
Data from the American Optometric Association’s 2022 Survey of Optometric Practice shows the average net incomes ranging from $168,193 for the primary practice of optometry to $204,773 for optometrists who own all or a portion of their practice.
ESTABLISHED IN 1932
7000+
ALUMNI PRACTICING IN ALL 50 STATES AND WORLDWIDE
525 STUDENTS ATTENDED SCO IN 2023-2024
9:1 STUDENT-TOFACULTY RATIO
SCO 101
Founded in 1932, Southern College of Optometry is an independent non-for-profit coeducational institution of higher learning. As the largest optometry school in the southern United States, SCO has graduated over 8,000 optometrists, including 12 presidents of the American Optometric Association.
SCO offers a four-year curriculum with courses in the biomedical, optometric and clinical sciences leading to the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) Degree. SCO’s advanced facilities feature biomedical labs, expanded and renovated optometry labs, laser instruction, and biomedical and clinical research areas.
The college’s academic facilities utilize cutting edge technology and interactive instructional methods. In 2013, SCO built a state-of-theart academic and educational facility to provide greater classroom space and technology access over 23,016 new square feet of space. SCO also offers an Activity Center that features basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts, fitness equipment, aerobics, along with a recreation area.
With a low 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, SCO’s faculty are easily accessible for one-on-one classroom and/or clinical instruction. Faculty members are all practicing optometrists, and many engage
in a wide range of research projects, including a collaborative summer research program with students. By contributing to basic and visual science literature, faculty research enriches each student’s classroom experience.
Our mission is to lead the profession of optometry by educating the best possible lifelong learning, fostering commitment to service.
# OF UNHOUSED PATIENTS SERVED BY STUDENTS THROUGH SCO’S PARTICIPATION IN THIS YEAR’S “901 CARES” HEALTHCARE OUTREACH TO THE HOMELESS IN MEMPHIS
Optometry is a people profession dedicated to enriching the vision health and lives of patients.
Committed to Service
One of the hallmarks of the SCO mission is fostering a personal commitment to service. Optometry is a profession dedicated to enriching not only the visual health, but also the everyday lives of patients. That same sense of helping others is encouraged in SCO’s students through service-learning.
SCO’s students serve others in a variety of positive ways. Some are active in the local community by tutoring and mentoring at risk students. Others volunteer their time with service projects such as the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event.
Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) is one of SCO’s most popular student organizations; it provides free eye care and glasses to impoverished international areas via annual 10-day service trips. Since 1975, members of SVOSH have served over 200,000 patients in 16 different countries.
Students also participate in Remote Area Medical to provide vision screenings in underserved areas. Volunteering at the Special Olympics is another way our students give back during their time at SCO.
Whether volunteering time or service through an awareness event or a student organization, opportunities are plentiful for the SCO community to make a difference in the lives of others.
SCO’s clinical education is also designed to highlight the people-focused aspects of optometry and ensure students have the experience needed to be exceptional doctors. Our clinical facility, The Eye Center, is one of the largest state-of-the-art vision and eye care facilities in the nation and the center of our patient care.
The Eye Center has 48,000 square feet of usable space and provides the opportunity to introduce clinical exposure to the students early in the curriculum. It is designed to be patient, student and doctor friendly, while also incorporating the most up-to-date features and equipment such as:
• Examination rooms equipped with the latest in electronic health record management systems.
• 14 individual spaces for advanced technologybased testing.
• A retinal laser center.
• A digital angiography center.
• An advanced procedures and observatory suite.
• Conference rooms for group learning.
• A patient simulation laboratory.
• An optical service area.
• Practice suites which enable interns to experience an exceptional practice atmosphere with the attending staff doctors.
In addition to The Eye Center, students also join faculty members and interns in seeing patients at FocalPoint at Crosstown Concourse and University Eyecare on the campus of the University of Memphis.
# OF YEARS STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE ST. JUDE MEMPHIS MARATHON
Student Life
Approximately 90% of SCO students are active members in at least one student organization. For almost any organization which exists on undergraduate campuses, a comparable organization is active at SCO.
The Student Government Association (SGA) recommends policies and coordinates many of the academic, service and social events on campus. The SGA also oversees an extensive intramural program open to all students, spouses, faculty and staff. Intramural sports include basketball, softball, golf, flag football, racquetball and volleyball, with many events housed in the SCO Activity Center.
American Optometric Student Association (AOSA)
A national organization of optometry students dedicated to the enhancement of educational, political and professional concerns.
Amigos
Dedicated to providing a venue for students seeking to enhance their Spanish conversation skills.
Beta Sigma Kappa
An international optometry honor fraternity whose purpose is to stimulate scientific attainment and ethical practice.
College of Optometrists in Vision Development
Dedicatedtofacilitatingtheawarenessthatvision involvesmorethaneyesightandtoexpandingthe numberofstudentsthatwilldeliverdevelopmental visioncareandvisiontherapytotheirpatients.
Contact Lens Society
Organization open to third- and fourthyear students interested in expanding their knowledge of contact lenses through presentations by guest lecturers.
Fellowship of Christian Optometrists
Dedicated to the promotion of good will and Christian belief within the profession of optometry.
Gamma Omicron
Dedicated to increasing awareness of issues for women in optometry, networking opportunities and professional development.
Gold Key Society
Honors outstanding students whose professional and ethical attitudes are in the interest of service to their class, college and profession.
Lions Club
Promotes service through community involvement, especially working with those who are visually impaired.
Low Vision Club
Provides information for students interested in low vision patient care.
National Optometric Student Association
Dedicated to increasing minority representation in optometry.
Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association
Focused on bringing an inter-professional approach with multiple health care providers in order to advance the art and science of rehabilitation for brain injury patients.
Ocular Disease Club
Founded to help increase exposure to ocular disease by discussing rare cases and learning more about future aspects of a career in disease management.
Omega Delta, Iota Chapter
Oldest and largest optometric fraternity; activities include the SCO Holiday Party, tutoring retinoscopy for first-year students, camping and canoe trips, and other social events.
Optometric Private Practice Club
Dedicated to preparing students for the business of optometry by providing resources and information from experienced persons, practices and business entities.
Spectrum
A school community where all students and faculty/staff feel welcome and supported, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Sports Vision Society
Provides vision care to athletes at the state and international levels.
State Clubs
A collection of students interested in practicing in a particular state.
Student Ambassadors
Members assist in student recruitment, admissions and public relations functions of the college.
Student Chapter of the Academy of American Optometry
Official student chapter of the Academy, promoting research and scholarly activity in optometry.
Student Public Health Vision Care Association
Connecting students who have an interest in public health to promote health and wellbeing, with an emphasis in vision and eye health.
Student Volunteers in Optometric Service to Humanity
Founded at SCO in 1975 to provide free eye care and glasses to the underserved in Central America and throughout the world. Members work year-round to prepare for their annual 10-day missions. The club is open to all interested students.
Campus Demographics
SCO is one of the most regionally diverse optometry schools in the nation. Our student body represents various academic backgrounds, ethnicities and life experiences. For example, our 2023-2024 student body came from 47 states and Canada. Our diversity makes the SCO experience a true learning endeavor.
The geographic representation of the SCO student body for the 2023-2024 academic year was as follows:
SCO SERVES AS THE OFFICIAL EYE DOCTORS OF THE MEMPHIS REDBIRDS AND THE 901FC SOCCER FRANCHISE
The Bluff City
Memphis, TN is SCO’s hometown and the secret behind why our student experience is so enjoyable. A big city with a small-town feel, Memphis has one of the lowest costs of living in the nation. This allows our students to enjoy many of the things a major metropolis has to offer, yet at an affordable price.
MUSIC
Sitting on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Memphis is known for its rich musical heritage. SCO students have many opportunities to enjoy the sounds of Memphis and visit historical and cultural hubs such as:
• Graceland, the home of Elvis.
• Beale Street, birthplace of rock ‘n roll.
• Numerous musical clubs ranging from blues to gospel.
• An array of music festivals throughout the year.
CULTURE
Memphis is world-renowned for its culture. The Memphis in May International Festival, the city’s premier cultural experience, annually hosts and celebrates another country’s culture, music and cuisine. This festival also features the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and the River Beat Music Festival.
Memphis has several unique and award-winning museums, such as the acclaimed National Civil Rights Museum.
Memphis also hosts a diverse range of touring musicians, performers and Broadway productions at the historic Orpheum Theatre, in addition to our very own Ballet Memphis, Opera Memphis, the Collage Dance Collective and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. The city is also home to a great selection of locally-owned restaurants with a broad range of cuisines; most are well within a student’s budget.
Conveniently, many of these attractions are located in or near the city’s rejuvenated Downtown area, just minutes from SCO.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Students with families find Memphis a great place to live. Because the city offers such a low cost of living in a reasonable housing market, about 10% of SCO students have been able to own a home.
The city is also home to the wonderful Children’s Museum and the Memphis Zoo and Aquarium.
Memphis features several immersive shopping venues, including one of the largest retail stores in the world, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. The massive destination experience offers something for everyone, from serious outdoor enthusiasts to fun-loving families.
SPORTS
The Memphis sports scene is very active. The city is home to several professional teams and tournaments, such as:
• The Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
• The Memphis Redbirds (AAA Baseball)
• The 901FC Soccer Team (USL Championship)
• The FedEx St. Jude Invitational (WGC)
If you prefer college sports, the city has the University of Memphis, and is also in the heart of the Southeastern Conference.
Many of these major sporting events are held at either the FedEx Forum or AutoZone Park – voted one of the best baseball venues in America – both centrally located in Downtown Memphis.
Due to the moderate weather we have in Memphis, our students enjoy all of the music, culture, sports and outdoor activities this city has to offer year-round.
3.68 333
AVERAGE GPA | OAT SCORES FOR THE ENTERING CLASS OF 2023
Admissions
SCO participates in the centralized application service
OptomCAS. The service collects student information, official transcripts, Optometry Admission Test (OAT) scores and letters of recommendation, then forwards them directly to optometry schools. In 2024, SCO will accept applications June 27 through March 1; however, applying in the early stages of the cycle is strongly
Like any endeavor worth pursuing in life, it takes careful preparation to become an optometrist.
encouraged. SCO utilizes a rolling admissions process and offers of acceptance begin in August.
Before an interview invitation can be extended, SCO must receive all application and supplemental documents, as well as the official OAT scores. Interview invitations are only extended to the most promising applicants based on academic performance, OAT scores and experience in optometry.
A minimum of 90 semester (or 135 quarter) hours of undergraduate work is required for admission, with at least 30 semester (or 45 quarter) hours completed at a four-year college or university. Strong preference is given to applicants with baccalaureate or higher degrees. The required pre-requisite courses are as follows:
• General Biology w/Labs (1 year)
• Microbiology w/Lab (1 course)
• General Chemistry w/Labs (1 year)
• Organic Chemistry w/Lab (1 course)
• Biochemistry (1 course)
• General Physics w/Labs (1 year)
• Calculus (1 course)
• Statistics (1 course)
• General Psychology (1 course)
• Social Science (1 year)
• English (1 year)
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition is $43,406. A limited number of regional seats are available for competitive applicants from states that support contracts with SCO. The contracts provide eligible students with significant reduction in tuition. For more information on regional seats, please contact the Admissions Office or visit sco. edu/state-residency-certification.
SCO attracts students nationally and internationally, and it recruits directly from close to 100 campuses every year. Updated listings of campus visits or presentations are found in the “Events for Prospective Students” section of the SCO website.
Prior to application, prospective students are encouraged to schedule a campus visit to meet with an admissions officer and receive a tour of SCO. For more detailed information or to schedule a campus tour, contact the Student Services Office at admissions@sco.edu or call (800)-238-0180. More information can also be found on our website at sco.edu.
# OF YEARS OUR GRADUATES HAVE MAINTAINED A 0% DEFAULT RATE
Finance | Manage Debt
One of SCO’s primary objectives is to provide students with the means to complete our program with the least possible debt at graduation. The first step in managing debt is controlling what you spend.
Our Financial Aid Office works individually with students to develop realistic financing strategies. Counselors meet with students at least annually through our Debt Management Program to make sure students have sufficient funds at the best rates, and that they are borrowing wisely. Our Debt Management Program educates students on how debt can also be minimized through budgeting, personal savings, maintaining zero credit card balances and parttime work. This program, coupled with minimal tuition increases and added scholarships and awards, has led to SCO graduates having a 0% default for 25 out of the past 26 years.
Below is a loan repayment chart for an SCO graduate who accumulates $150,000 in student loans. The chart uses annual net income projections in line with national averages and is assuming a repayment period of 10 years with no deductions taken.
This chart uses a federal loan rate of 5.28%. Since some graduates have tax deductions (i.e. marriage, children, mortgage, etc.), these estimates are conservative. Many SCO graduates choose to slightly increase the amount of their monthly repayments. This method, even with only a small increase each month, will shorten a 10-year repayment schedule by several years.
Federal Work-Study
SCO participates in the Federal Work-Study Program, which allows students to work on campus up to 20 hours per week towards their educational expenses.
To apply for Federal Work-Study, each student must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the Federal Government. A student’s ability to contribute to educational costs will be calculated according to Federal criteria and will determine eligibility.
Graduating with the least possible debt allows our alumni greater flexibility in repaying loans and thus greater personal financial freedom. SCO’s Office of Financial Aid offers a debt management program where financial aid officers work closely with each student in developing a budget and planning out financial needs, leading our students to be better borrowers.
$920,000
APPROXIMATE VALUE OF SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO THE ENTERING CLASS OF 2023
Scholarships | Awards
SCO offers a significant number of endowed scholarships and awards for incoming students. Eligibility requirements vary, but most require exemplary achievements in academics, OAT performance, leadership and/or service. SCO annually awards four-year scholarships to more than one-half of each entering class.
Approximately $920,000 were awarded to the entering class of 2024 through the endowed scholarship fund. A complete listing of scholarships with the requirements for each is published in the college catalog.
Rewarding academic and clinical excellence through scholarships is a top priority for the college and its alumni.
Annual scholarship approximations for the entering class of 2024 include:
• $25,000 (3)
• $20,000 (8)
• $15,000 (16)
• $10,000 (14)
• $7,000 (11)
• $5,000 (25)
• $1,000-4,000 (25)
In addition to the endowed scholarships for entering students, SCO offers other endowed scholarships and awards to currently enrolled students through the Annual Student Awards Program. Overall, approximately 60% of SCO students receive academic scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 per year, and we are actively seeking ways to expand scholarship opportunities.
In addition to scholarships offered by SCO, select students are awarded federal scholarships through the miltary and Indian Health Services. Also, Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina and West Virginia offer state scholarships (selected by the state) which several SCO students receive.
Questions | Answers
How do I apply for admission, and how difficult is it to get
into SCO?
Morgan Hooker | Amarillo, TX | SCO Class of 2026
The optometry school application process can seem overwhelming, so it’s important to get started early. The first step is creating an OptomCAS account. The four sections to the OptomCAS application include personal information, academic history, supporting information and program materials. The OptomCAS application for 2024-2025 is open from June 27 to March 1.
Outside of OptomCAS, the OAT is required for most programs and should be taken before or during the application process. Taking the OAT as early as possible allows you time to not only submit your application early, but also to retake the OAT if you want a higher score. I would also recommend shadowing hours or working for an optometrist for valuable exposure to the profession.
Although your undergraduate experience doesn’t define your optometry school performance, it’s important to have a competitive transcript. An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.5 is recommended. Another part of the application process is the supplemental, which will differ from school to school. SCO requires a supplemental application outside of OptomCAS, which can be found on SCO’s website.
Once the application is complete, you will receive an invitation for an admission interview. The SCO interview process includes: a one-on-one meeting with a faculty member; a counseling session with our admissions department; a Memphis bus tour; a financial aid and housing information luncheon; and a campus tour led by Student Ambassadors.
SCO prides itself on academic excellence and hard work, and it shows. Of the Class of 2027’s 134 matriculants — representing 34 states and Canada— the average GPA was 3.68 with an average OAT score of 333. Don’t let these
statistics intimidate you; the SCO admissions team considers many other factors when accepting applicants!
The final biggest piece of advice I can give is to not be afraid to reach out to the SCO admissions team with questions. They are more than willing to help. SCO is very studentfriendly and assists you along the way.
Can international students apply to SCO?
How does the application process differ for Canadian students?
Charlotte Logan | Sherwood Park, Alberta, CAN | SCO Class of 2026
Yes, international students can apply to SCO! In fact, we’ve seen a large increase in Canadian students over the last few years.
For the most part, the application process is similar for Canadian and US students. You will complete your OptomCAS application and the supplemental SCO application, as well as take the OAT exam at a testing facility. One difference you may find is that some of the prerequisite courses listed on SCO’s website may not perfectly match your undergraduate courses. That being said, SCO can typically tell you which courses they’ll accept if you send them the course name and a brief description.
If you are invited to interview at SCO, the admissions team has some flexibility. While it is highly preferred to have an applicant interview in person, SCO can offer a virtual interview for those traveling long distances. If accepted, SCO initiates the process for your I-20 application (student visa) and a Canadian background check (this does come with a minor additional fee), leaving very little for you to complete on your end.
Aside from these small differences, applying to SCO as an international student is a seamless process!
What are the similarities and differences between optometry and medical school?
Marina Ikladyous | Greenville, SC | SCO Class of 2027
Optometry and medical school both prepare students for a career in healthcare while focusing on different areas of practice. Each one requires a demanding education, competitive GPA, high test scores, and rigorous prerequisites courses. While optometry is moving toward a more holistic approach, it is primarily focused on eye health and vision care. On the other hand, medical school covers a broad range of health issues.
Optometry programs last four years and can be followed by an optional one-year residency. While medical school also requires four years, it is followed by a mandatory residency program that varies from three to seven or more years based on the specialty.
Both programs provide clinical training and research opportunities to increase exposure for students. However, in optometry school, clinical rotations occur in settings generally focused on eye care. In medical school, clinical rotations cover the spectrum of specialties.
To practice optometry, students must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). With optometry being a legislative profession, rules and regulations dictated by federal and state legislation play a key role in determining optometry’s scope of practice. Therefore, each state has its own boards requirement to practice. Alternatively, medical school graduates must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and become licensed in each state.
Lastly, I think it’s important to consider one’s career path after school. Optometrists are more likely to have a
more predictable schedule compared to other healthcare professions, as well as more opportunities to develop long term patient relationships.
I believe choosing between the two comes down to personal interests and what you wish to provide for future patients. Each one offers a unique way to make an impact on peoples’ lives.
Do I need a degree in science?
You certainly do not need to have a degree in science to apply to optometry school. I came into SCO with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. In our entering class, we have students from all kinds of undergraduate backgrounds, and that helps to diversify our program even more. There are specific courses that must be taken before applying to optometry school, however. As these can vary by school, it is best to stay on track with the required classes with the help of an academic advisor. While this does increase the workload a bit, I would say having the ability to major in something I was personally interested in far outweighed the cost.
Students may think they will be at a disadvantage not coming in with a science background, but I would reassure them that SCO does a great job at laying the foundation during your first-year classes. Since you are not limited to any specific degree that is required for a future in optometry, I advise prospective students to pursue a major they are passionate about, whether that be in the sciences or another field.
Saniya Merchant | Wheeling, IL | SCO Class of 2025
Is optometry a career with a strong future?
How will I find employment after graduation?
Noah Scoffield | Peoria, AZ | SCO Class of 2026
Optometry has an incredibly strong future due to its expanding scope of practice. As a legislative profession, optometry’s scope is dependent on the various laws of a particular state, but each year, more and more states are allowing optometrists to practice different specialties and new procedures. Due to this changing landscape, not only will there be more procedures to perform in the future, but there will be more patients for practicing optometrists to see, as well. All of this contributes to the increasingly bright future for optometrists.
The Hayes Center for Practicing Excellence provides everything you’ll need to prepare for employment, including networking events, interview practice and even contract review. The Center also compiles a list of all the open positions across the country, so when the time comes, students will be able to take advantage of the opportunities available to them. With the Center’s help, students can feel at ease as they navigate their future after graduation.
How expensive is optometry school?
How will I finance my education?
Noah Linhart | Derby, KS | SCO Class of 2025
Optometry school, like any other doctoral/medical program, comes with a high price tag. Between the tuition, fees, equipment, books, housing and cost of living, it is unlikely that many students will graduate without some student debt.
However, by choosing to attend SCO, I have improved my financial security during and after optometry school.
SCO has a very robust program and runs one of the largest eye care centers in North America. As such, this allows them to offer tuition to students at one of the lowest prices of any school in the country, along with a world class education. SCO also makes a lot of scholarship money available to students. The cost of living in Memphis is also very competitive. It is fully possible to find great, safe living accommodations for a fraction of the price you might find in another major city.
The financial aid department helps students put together a stellar financial aid package that considers scholarships, awards and student loans, as well as any specific financial budget. They make the process easy, intuitive and flexible should you need to adjust your award for any reason.
All of this together makes SCO one of the most budgetfriendly optometry schools available!
How will The Eye Center enhance my education at SCO?
There are many benefits to having The Eye Center at SCO. For starters, The Eye Center sees a wide range of patients because we accept many forms of insurance and work with local organizations to get eyecare to all patients, even those who can’t afford it.
Our Eye Center is lucky enough to have its very own laser procedures room overseen by an ophthalmologist. This gives us the opportunity to not only observe laser procedures, but to also perform them under their guidance. I was able to
Landyn Goodwin | Kansas City, KS | SCO Class of 2027
watch a lumps and bumps removal procedure performed by 4th years while I toured!
In The Eye Center, students rotate through the different clinics on different days of the week. This allows us to focus on one specific aspect of eye care each day and, at some point, get exposure to all parts of the process. These different clinics, to name a few, include peds/teens, ocular disease, adult primary care, vision therapy, low vision, and contact lens, as well as the optical. We also get to spend time in the technology wing analyzing test results as third years.
The other major benefit to The Eye Center comes during third- and fourth-year while preparing for boards. The Eye Center has two mock NBEO rooms set up almost exactly like the real NBEO exam rooms in Charlotte, NC. Being able to place ourselves in the same setting where we will be taking the exam really helps with our preparation for NBEO Part 3.
Getting exposure to the eye care process and seeing a wide range of patients as early as we do helps us to build our confidence, our efficiency, and our preparedness for patient care.
How difficult is optometry school? Will I have time for my family/personal life?
Rafael Martinez | Sanger, CA | SCO Class of 2026
Optometry school can be like drinking water through a fire hose — this is no overstatement. The material being taught is similar to what is taught in undergrad, but the sheer volume of material differs immensely.
The key to success in optometry school is to learn how to manage your time, especially for a student with a family
like myself. It is easy to get distracted. Being organized with a planner or a to-do list are simple ways to stay on track throughout each day. Falling behind is something that can happen quickly, so it is best to stay on top of your classes and your coursework.
Something that I love about SCO is that all of the faculty are optometrists, and they are able to take the material they teach and relate it back to the relevance of the eye. This is great because it keeps you engaged. Another aspect that helps with the difficulty of optometry school is that all of your peers are working towards the same goal. Having classmates going through the same experience allows you to feel better supported.
Lastly, it is important to set expectations for yourself and your friends and family. Explaining to your loved ones how busy you are, and how time-consuming school can be, will help them be more understanding. Some weeks, you will feel like you don’t have time for anything but school. Then, there will be stretches where you have plenty of free time.
Success does not come without sacrifice; my wife and two kids know this well, which is why when we do have free time, we make the most of it.
Is it difficult to work while going to optometry school?
Joshua Smith | Decatur, AL | SCO Class of 2027
That definitely depends on how busy you like to be! Optometry school is comparable to working a full-time job, but having a work-study position is a great way to earn extra income. Some positions have a work schedule that is set for
the semester, while others may offer more flexibility. In my experience, the set work schedule has served me well.
Work-study is a job, so it is important to approach it that way. However, there is usually plenty of time to study when there isn’t any assigned work to do. The biggest challenge of having a work study may be time management. This is a necessary skill for not only a work-study position, but also optometry school.
It is important to plan your schedule well to make room for practicing outside of the lab and any other extracurriculars. Many students are successful at balancing school and work-study, but it is probably most important to decide if the position is a good fit for you.
What activities are available to students at SCO?
Helen Zhong | Arlington, TN | SCO Class of 2026
When SCO students are not in lecture, clinic or studying, you can find them dispersed throughout the school in their various student organizations. Joining an extracurricular activity gives students the opportunity to learn more about the profession, make connections with their professors and classmates, and even make an impact during their time at SCO!
SCO has multiple honorary organizations that focus on leadership and school involvement, such as SGA, the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), the Student Ambassador program, Beta Sigma Kappa, Gold Key Society, and the Student Chapter of the American Academy
of Optometry. These organizations provide students with a voice within the profession of optometry and SCO.
SCO has many interest groups such as the Contact Lens Society, Low Vision Club, Ocular Disease Club, Sports Vision Society, Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, and College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD).
These meetings are a great way to apply topics you have learned in lecture to real case patient scenarios.
Perhaps you want to join an extracurricular that focuses on volunteering and giving back to your community. SCO has Student Volunteers in Optometric Service to Humanity (SVOSH), Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, RAM, and Lion’s Club. These organizations provide opportunities for students to treat underserved populations throughout the world.
A great way to destress from school and meet new people is by joining an intramural sport. You are allowed to create your own teams or participate in already established teams such as basketball, dodgeball, volleyball, and more.
There are many social events held throughout the year for students to have fun! Omega Delta is our oldest and largest optometric fraternity and it oversees events for students.
Activities include our very own optometry school formal dance called the Eyeball, camping trips, Halloween parties on Beale Street, and jersey parties.
There are these choices and more to choose from when you’re deciding whether or not to join a student organization. No matter what, students do not just come out of SCO as great optometrists but also as well-rounded individuals.
Timetables | Facts | Figures
ADMISSIONS
Entering Class Each Fall (Late August)
Application Cycle June 27-March 1
Admissions Decisions ............................ Rolling
First Admissions Decisions .................... Mid-August
OAT Administration Deadline March 1 of Entering Year
Tentative Class Size 136
States Represented (2023-2024) ............... 47
Foreign Countries Represented (2023-2024) .............................................. Canada
Tuition 2024-2025....................................
$43,406
Regional Contract Seats 2024-2025* Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina
Kansas
Tennessee
West Virginia
$20,369/year
$6,500/year
$13,260/year**
$11,500/year
* Regional contract seats are tuition is available for a limited number of students from each regional state. Acceptance does not guarantee a contract seat.
** These figures reflect the 2023-2024 year. Updates for the 2024-2025 can be found on our website (sco.edu).
FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid Application Cycle ................ January-April (All 4 Years)†
Registration/Financial Aid Disbursements.......................................... Each Semester
Percent Receiving Financial Aid ............... 90%
Debt Management Counseling Annually
† Financial aid application packets (SCO application and FAFSA) are sent in early January to students accepted between August and December. For students accepted after January, those financial aid application packets will be sent with their acceptance letters. Enrolled students must re-apply annually for financial aid.
ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT
Applicants to Southern College of Optometry may access the Annual Security Report posted on the college website: sco.edu/campus-safety. The report contains safety efforts and statistics for the campus. Applicants may also request a printed copy by contacting the Safety and Security Department at (901) 722-3312 or by emailing donhenson@sco.edu.
