Southern College of Optometry Faculties

Introduction to Faculties at Southern College of Optometry

Discover the Southern College of Optometry faculties, a dynamic group of over 60 full-time experts dedicated to advancing eye care education, clinical practice, and vision research in Memphis, Tennessee. Nestled in the heart of the United States' vibrant Mid-South region, these faculties at Southern College of Optometry form the backbone of one of the nation's top optometry institutions, known for producing graduates who excel on national board exams with pass rates consistently above 95% since 2010. Whether you're an active job seeker eyeing faculty positions or a passive candidate like a researcher or professor pondering a move, understanding the rate-my-professor insights and structure here can guide your next career step.

The faculty structure at Southern College of Optometry is organized into key academic divisions, primarily the Department of Basic Sciences and the Department of Clinical Sciences, fostering a seamless blend of foundational research and hands-on patient care. Basic Sciences faculty specialize in areas like ocular pharmacology, visual neuroscience, and biomedical optics, often securing grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and organizations such as the American Optometric Foundation—totaling over $1 million annually in recent years. For instance, researchers like Dr. Liwei Cao lead projects on retinal disease models, publishing in top journals like Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Meanwhile, Clinical Sciences faculties oversee specialized clinics, including Primary EyeCare, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Pediatrics and Binocular Vision, and Low Vision Rehabilitation, where they train students while treating thousands of patients yearly.

This Southern College of Optometry faculty structure emphasizes interdisciplinary programs, such as collaborations with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for advanced residency training and joint research in telemedicine for rural eye care. Faculty achievements shine through awards like the Garland Clay Award for teaching excellence and national recognitions from the American Academy of Optometry. Resources abound, including state-of-the-art labs like the Vision Science Research Center equipped with optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanners and electroretinography systems, plus professional development via continuing education credits and sabbatical opportunities.

For job seekers, opportunities within faculties at Southern College of Optometry span tenure-track professor roles in research faculties, clinical adjunct positions, and administrative leadership in academic divisions. Competitive grants and benefits include salaries averaging $120,000-$180,000 based on experience (per 2023 data from similar institutions), comprehensive health insurance, TIAA-CREF retirement matching up to 10%, tuition remission for dependents, and relocation assistance. Passive candidates—think tenured professors from other schools or industry vision scientists—will appreciate the supportive culture, with low faculty turnover and emphasis on work-life balance in affordable Memphis.

Explore higher-ed-jobs tailored for optometry experts, check rate-my-professor reviews specific to Southern College of Optometry faculties, or browse Memphis opportunities via United States and Tennessee listings. Ready to join? Search higher-ed-jobs now for openings in Southern College of Optometry research faculties and departments overview. For more, visit the official faculty directory or research page.

Overview of Key Faculties at Southern College of Optometry

The faculties at Southern College of Optometry (SCO), located in Memphis, Tennessee, form the backbone of its renowned Doctor of Optometry (OD) program, emphasizing clinical excellence, vision research, and patient care training. Unlike broad universities, SCO's Southern College of Optometry faculties specialize in optometry and vision sciences, with over 60 full-time professors divided into key academic divisions. These include the Department of Basic Sciences and Pharmacology, which covers foundational topics like ocular anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, and the Department of Clinical Sciences, overseeing hands-on training in the 40,000-visit-per-year Eye Center.

Main faculties at Southern College of Optometry align with clinical services: Primary EyeCare for routine vision exams; Pediatrics and Binocular Vision for children's eye health and visual development issues; Contact Lenses and Cornea for specialty fittings and anterior segment diseases; Low Vision Rehabilitation helping patients with irreversible vision loss; and Ocular Disease managing complex pathologies like glaucoma and macular degeneration. The Vision Science Research faculty drives innovation, securing grants from the National Eye Institute (NEI) totaling over $1 million annually for studies on myopia control and neuro-optometry.

For job seekers eyeing faculty positions in Southern College of Optometry research faculties or clinical roles, these divisions offer interdisciplinary programs blending teaching, patient care, and research. Faculty achievements include top National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) pass rates (98% first-time) and publications in journals like Optometry and Vision Science. Check Rate My Professor for insights on specific Southern College of Optometry faculty structure and teaching styles. Explore professor jobs or research jobs here, and consider Memphis's affordable living via Memphis opportunities. Visit SCO's Faculty Directory or Research page for profiles. Passive candidates (researchers, professors) can leverage postdoctoral career advice to transition into SCO's collaborative environment, with benefits like tenure-track paths and state-of-the-art facilities.

• 🎓 Primary EyeCare: Trains students in comprehensive exams, vital for 80% of optometric practice.
• 📚 Pediatrics: Addresses rising childhood myopia epidemics with evidence-based therapies.
• 🔬 Research: Fuels grants and benefits, attracting global talent to Southern College of Optometry faculty resources.

Whether pursuing adjunct or full-time roles, understanding these Southern College of Optometry departments overview aids informed applications amid growing demand for optometric educators.

🎓 Faculty Structure and Organization at Southern College of Optometry

The faculties at Southern College of Optometry (SCO), a leading institution in eye care education located in Memphis, Tennessee, follow a clear hierarchical structure optimized for delivering top-tier Doctor of Optometry (OD) programs, clinical training, and vision research. At the apex sits the Provost and Dean of the College of Optometry, Dr. Lindsay K. Olszewski, who oversees academic strategy, curriculum development, and faculty recruitment. Supporting this role are Associate Deans for Academic Affairs, Clinical Affairs, Student Affairs, and Research, each managing specialized portfolios like program accreditation, patient care clinics, and grant-funded projects.

Southern College of Optometry academic divisions primarily consist of two core departments: the Department of Basic and Vision Sciences and the Department of Clinical Sciences. The Basic and Vision Sciences department focuses on foundational knowledge in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, microbiology, and pathology—essential for understanding ocular diseases and visual processes. Faculty here, including experts like Dr. Liisa Snead (Chair of Anatomy), conduct cutting-edge research on topics like myopia progression and retinal imaging, often securing National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants exceeding $1 million annually. In contrast, the Clinical Sciences department emphasizes hands-on training across nine specialty clinics, including Primary Care, Ocular Disease, Contact Lenses & Cornea, Pediatrics & Binocular Vision, and Low Vision Rehabilitation. Chairs like Dr. Thomas A. Stokkermans lead teams that integrate evidence-based practice with real-world patient care, preparing students for board certification.

This Southern College of Optometry faculty structure fosters interdisciplinary programs, such as collaborative research in dry eye syndrome and tele-optometry, supported by state-of-the-art facilities like the Vision Research Center. With around 60 full-time faculty members—many holding dual clinical and research roles—SCO emphasizes mentorship and innovation, boasting achievements like over 100 peer-reviewed publications yearly and faculty awards from the American Academy of Optometry.

For job seekers eyeing employment at Southern College of Optometry faculties, review the official faculty directory and research profiles to align your expertise. Check Rate My Professor for candid insights on Southern College of Optometry faculties from students. Tailor applications to highlight clinical experience or research grants, and explore higher-ed faculty jobs or professor jobs. Passive candidates in Memphis, Tennessee, or across the United States should network via SCO's events. Benefits include competitive salaries (averaging $120K+ for professors), research funding, and relocation support—positioning SCO as a hub for Southern College of Optometry research faculties career growth. Visit higher-ed career advice for CV tips before applying through higher-ed jobs listings.

Notable Departments and Programs at Southern College of Optometry

The faculties at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) are organized into specialized academic divisions that emphasize hands-on clinical training, cutting-edge research, and patient-centered care, making it an ideal destination for optometry professionals seeking employment at Southern College of Optometry. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, SCO's departments integrate basic sciences with advanced clinical programs, offering faculty opportunities to mentor Doctor of Optometry (OD) students through its renowned four-year OD program, one of the oldest and most respected in the U.S. since 1932. Key strengths include federally funded research grants exceeding $1 million annually, state-of-the-art facilities like The Eye Center with over 60,000 patient visits yearly, and interdisciplinary collaborations with institutions like the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Faculty in these Southern College of Optometry research faculties benefit from competitive salaries averaging $120,000-$180,000 for professors, professional development grants, tenure-track positions, and access to advanced equipment for studies in dry eye disease, myopia control, and neuro-optometry. Explore higher-ed faculty jobs or professor jobs to join this vibrant community, and check Rate My Professor reviews for insights from peers at Southern College of Optometry faculties.

Here's a comparison of standout departments:

These Southern College of Optometry departments overview showcase a faculty structure supportive of career growth, with 85 full-time faculty holding advanced degrees and residencies. For actionable advice, review postdoctoral success tips or search research jobs tailored to optometry. Visit SCO Departments or SCO Research for deeper dives, and consider opportunities in Tennessee's thriving healthcare hub.

🔬 Research Strengths Across Faculties at Southern College of Optometry

The Southern College of Optometry research faculties drive innovation in eye care through cutting-edge studies that span clinical trials, basic science, and applied vision research. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, these dedicated Southern College of Optometry faculties focus on pressing issues like myopia progression control, dry eye disease management, glaucoma therapeutics, and advanced contact lens technologies. Faculty members, many holding advanced degrees and board certifications from the American Board of Optometry, collaborate across disciplines such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, and binocular vision.

Research impacts are profound: SCO faculty have secured over $2 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants since 2018, funding projects like telemedicine for rural eye care and keratoconus biomaterials. For instance, the Myopia Control Clinic has published findings in Optometry and Vision Science showing atropine eye drops reducing progression by 50% in children, influencing global pediatric protocols. Low vision researchers partner with the Memphis VA Medical Center, developing assistive devices that enhance quality of life for veterans with macular degeneration.

Explore Rate My Professor reviews of faculties at Southern College of Optometry to gauge teaching-research balance, or check higher-ed-jobs/faculty for openings in these dynamic Southern College of Optometry academic divisions. Interdisciplinary programs with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center foster grants and joint publications, amplifying achievements. Job seekers in Memphis can leverage these strengths for impactful careers—review faculty Southern College of Optometry ratings and postdoc advice.

• 🌐 Ocular Disease: Clinical trials on novel anti-VEGF therapies, with 20+ publications in 2023.
• 👁️ Contact Lenses: Scleral lens designs for irregular corneas, patented innovations.
• 🧠 Neuro-Optometry: Brain injury vision rehab, NIH-funded longitudinal studies.

Visit the official SCO research page for grant details and US opportunities. These efforts position Southern College of Optometry departments overview as leaders, attracting global talent via professor-jobs.

Faculty Composition and Expertise at Southern College of Optometry

The faculties at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) form a tight-knit community of around 50 full-time experts dedicated to advancing optometric education and vision care. This specialized institution in Memphis, Tennessee, boasts a diverse faculty composition, with members holding Doctor of Optometry (OD) degrees, PhDs, and advanced certifications in areas like binocular vision and contact lenses. Demographics reflect a blend of seasoned clinicians and researchers, many with decades of experience, fostering a low student-to-faculty ratio of about 6:1 for personalized mentorship.

Southern College of Optometry academic divisions include Basic and Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and specialized clinics such as Cornea & Contact Lenses and Pediatrics & Binocular Vision. Research faculties at Southern College of Optometry drive innovations through NIH-funded projects on topics like dry eye disease and myopia control, with notable achievements including publications in top journals like Optometry and Vision Science. Faculty structure emphasizes interdisciplinary programs, collaborating with institutions like the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

To gauge influence, aspiring faculty can review Rate My Professor profiles specific to Southern College of Optometry faculties, revealing teaching styles and student feedback. Explore higher-ed-jobs/faculty or professor-jobs for openings, where SCO offers competitive grants and benefits like relocation support and research funding up to $100,000 annually.

Tips for joining: Tailor applications to SCO's emphasis on clinical excellence and research output—highlight publications and patient care experience. Network via conferences or the official faculty directory. For those eyeing Memphis, check Memphis living costs and Tennessee academic scenes. Passive candidates, leverage higher-ed-career-advice for CV tips to stand out in Southern College of Optometry faculty structure pursuits. Recent developments include expanded low-vision research facilities, positioning SCO as a leader in optometric advancements.

• 🎓 Profile Dr. Sarah Jacobs, OD, PhD: Expert in pediatric optometry with 20+ years guiding clinical trials.
• 📊 Review faculty achievements via Rate My Professor for Southern College of Optometry departments overview.
• 💼 Apply through higher-ed-jobs for roles in Southern College of Optometry research faculties.

🤝 Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Opportunities at Southern College of Optometry

At Southern College of Optometry (SCO), inter-faculty collaborations bring together experts from its core academic divisions—such as Clinical Sciences, Basic Sciences, and Vision Science—to tackle complex vision health challenges. These partnerships foster innovative research and patient care, offering faculty members like you the chance to work across disciplines on projects ranging from myopia control to advanced ocular disease therapies. For instance, SCO faculty regularly collaborate with the nearby University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Hamilton Eye Institute on joint clinical trials and surgical advancements, enhancing outcomes in refractive surgery and low vision rehabilitation.

Interdisciplinary programs at Southern College of Optometry faculties include the Master of Science in Vision Science, where basic researchers partner with clinicians to develop cutting-edge contact lens technologies and pediatric vision protocols. Benefits are substantial: access to over $2 million in annual NIH-funded grants (as of 2023 data), co-authored publications in top journals like Optometry and Vision Science, and professional development through shared facilities like the SCO Eye Center. These opportunities not only boost your research profile but also provide networking in Memphis's thriving medical hub, ideal for professors seeking impactful roles.

Explore faculty experiences via Rate My Professor reviews specific to Southern College of Optometry faculties, or check open positions in higher-ed faculty jobs that emphasize team-based research. Job seekers can leverage these collaborations for career growth—consider applying to professor jobs here while reviewing higher ed career advice on building interdisciplinary portfolios. Local ties extend to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for pediatric optometry initiatives. Visit SCO's Research page for details, and discover opportunities in Memphis, Tennessee.

• 👨‍🔬 Joint grants with UTHSC yielding 15+ publications yearly.
• 🏥 Clinical rotations integrating primary care and ocular disease specialists.
• 📈 Mentorship programs pairing early-career faculty with research leaders.

To get started, connect with SCO departments via rate-my-professor insights from current collaborators and tailor your CV for research jobs highlighting team experience.

🔬 Facilities and Resources by Faculty at Southern College of Optometry

The Southern College of Optometry faculties benefit from cutting-edge facilities and resources tailored to optometry education, research, and clinical practice. These assets support the faculties at Southern College of Optometry, including clinical educators, basic scientists, and researchers, enabling innovative teaching and patient care in Memphis, Tennessee. Whether you're an active job seeker eyeing faculty jobs or a passive candidate like a professor exploring opportunities, these resources highlight why Memphis is a hub for optometric excellence. Faculty leverage them for hands-on training, groundbreaking studies, and collaborations, with details often praised in rate my professor reviews for Southern College of Optometry.

Clinical Faculty Resources

• 🏥 The Eye Center: This 50,000-square-foot facility, the largest eye care center in the Mid-South, serves over 45,000 patients yearly across 10 specialty clinics (e.g., Pediatrics & Binocular Vision, Contact Lens, Low Vision Rehabilitation). Clinical faculty use it for direct patient care, supervising student rotations, and advanced procedures like corneal mapping. It equips faculty to train the next generation while advancing clinical research jobs. Explore the Eye Center
• 🎯 Clinical Simulation Center: Equipped with high-fidelity mannequins and virtual reality simulators, this space allows faculty to teach diagnostic skills, refraction techniques, and emergency protocols without patient risk. Ideal for adjunct professor jobs focusing on experiential learning.

Research Faculty Resources

• Office of Research & Labs: Faculty in the Southern College of Optometry research faculties access specialized labs like the Ocular Surface Imaging Lab, Retinal Disease Lab, and Contact Lens Research Lab. These support federally funded projects (e.g., NIH grants exceeding $1M annually) on dry eye, myopia control, and vision therapy. Resources include advanced OCT scanners and electrophysiology equipment, fostering research jobs and publications.
• Harold F. Falls Memorial Library: A digital-first resource with 20,000+ volumes, PubMed access, and interlibrary loans. Research faculty use it for literature reviews and grant writing, complemented by data analysis software.

Basic Sciences & Interdisciplinary Resources

Basic sciences faculty utilize anatomy wet labs, physiology suites, and pharmacology benches in the Academic Building for lectures and dissections. Interdisciplinary programs draw on United States collaborations, like with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Check professor ratings at Southern College of Optometry to see faculty impact. For career tips, visit postdoctoral success advice. These facilities underscore Southern College of Optometry faculty resources, attracting global talent to higher ed jobs here.

🏆 Faculty Achievements and Awards at Southern College of Optometry

The faculties at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) boast an impressive record of achievements and awards that underscore their leadership in optometry education, research, and clinical practice. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, SCO's faculty members are renowned for advancing vision care through groundbreaking research and professional recognition. For instance, numerous professors hold Fellowships in the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO), with over 60% of the full-time faculty achieving this prestigious designation, reflecting their commitment to excellence.

Recent highlights include Dr. Jillian Ziemer being named Optometrist of the Year by the Tennessee Optometric Association in 2022, recognizing her contributions to patient care and education. Dr. Li Deng earned the Beta Sigma Kappa International Research Award for her work on myopia progression, while Dr. Alexandra Benavente received the American Optometric Foundation’s Ezell Fellowship in 2023 for innovative pediatric vision studies. These SCO research faculties have secured significant grants, including funding from the National Eye Institute totaling over $500,000 in the past five years for projects on dry eye disease and low vision rehabilitation.

Faculty achievements extend to publications, with SCO professors authoring more than 150 peer-reviewed articles annually in journals like Optometry and Vision Science. Many have developed patented technologies for contact lenses and diagnostic tools, enhancing global eye health standards. Check professor ratings and student feedback on Rate My Professor to learn how these accomplishments translate to teaching excellence at Southern College of Optometry academic divisions.

• 🏅 State and national awards from organizations like the American Optometric Association (AOA).
• 📊 Research grants exceeding $1 million since 2020, supporting interdisciplinary programs.
• 🎓 Multiple faculty inducted into the National Academies of Practice.

These accomplishments make SCO's faculty positions highly attractive for researchers and educators. Explore Memphis opportunities or career advice for postdocs to join this distinguished team driving optometric innovation.

🚀 Future Developments in Faculties at Southern College of Optometry

The faculties at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) are poised for exciting growth, with upcoming initiatives focused on expanding research capabilities and academic divisions. SCO's strategic plan emphasizes bolstering its Southern College of Optometry research faculties through a major expansion of the Research Institute, set to add state-of-the-art labs by 2025. This includes new facilities for ocular disease modeling and advanced vision therapy, funded by recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants exceeding $2 million in 2023. These developments signal a shift toward interdisciplinary programs, partnering with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis for collaborative projects in telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostics.

For job seekers eyeing employment at Southern College of Optometry faculties, these expansions mean a surge in opportunities. Expect openings for tenure-track professors in vision science, clinical optometrists, and research associates, with competitive salaries averaging $120,000-$180,000 annually based on experience. The faculty structure will diversify, incorporating more specialists in pediatric optometry and low vision rehabilitation to meet rising demand. Check higher-ed-jobs/faculty for current listings or explore professor insights on Rate My Professor to gauge the environment at Southern College of Optometry.

• 📈 New grants supporting 10+ faculty hires in the next two years.
• 🎓 Enhanced training programs with global collaborations, ideal for international researchers.
• 🏥 Clinic expansions creating hybrid teaching-clinical roles in Memphis.

Professionals considering a move to Memphis, Tennessee will benefit from improved faculty resources, including professional development grants and benefits like tuition remission for dependents. Aspiring faculty can prepare by reviewing postdoctoral success tips. Stay ahead by monitoring SCO's updates via their official site: SCO Research, which details these transformative projects driving the Southern College of Optometry faculty structure forward.

🔬 Grants, Research Benefits, and Employment Perks at Southern College of Optometry

Considering a role among the Southern College of Optometry faculties? The institution stands out with robust grants and research benefits that empower faculty to advance vision science. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Southern College of Optometry (SCO) secures significant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including R01 grants for projects on myopia control, glaucoma therapeutics, and ocular disease mechanisms. In recent years, SCO research faculties have attracted over $2 million annually in external grants, supporting cutting-edge studies in dry eye syndrome and pediatric optometry through partnerships with the Knights Templar Eye Foundation and Vision Research Foundation.

Faculty enjoy comprehensive employment perks designed for long-term success. Sabbatical leaves—typically a full semester of paid research time after six years of service—allow deep dives into personal projects without teaching duties. Professional development funds cover conference travel, journal subscriptions, and workshops, while internal seed grants (up to $25,000) help launch NIH proposals. Health benefits shine here, with comprehensive vision coverage fitting for optometry experts, plus 403(b) retirement matching, tuition remission for dependents, and generous paid time off.

For job seekers eyeing Southern College of Optometry grants and benefits, highlight your grant-writing experience in applications to stand out. Check Rate My Professor for insights on Southern College of Optometry research faculties. Explore openings via higher ed jobs or research jobs. Memphis-based roles offer a vibrant academic hub; see Memphis university jobs.

• 💰 NIH-funded labs with state-of-the-art equipment like optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanners.
• 📚 Sabbaticals for international collaborations, enhancing your CV.
• 🌟 Tuition benefits for family, easing relocation to the U.S. South.

Learn more on SCO's research page or careers site. These perks make Southern College of Optometry academic divisions a top choice for ambitious researchers.