Southern California College of Optometry Jobs & Careers

Overview of Southern California College of Optometry

Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO), now integrated as the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU), stands as a premier institution dedicated to eye care education and research. Located in Fullerton, California, this specialized university has been shaping the future of optometry since its founding in 1904. Originally established as the Los Angeles College of Optometry, it evolved into SCCO and merged with Ketchum University in 2016, expanding its scope to include pharmacy and physician assistant programs. Jobs at Southern California College of Optometry attract professionals passionate about vision science, clinical practice, and academic teaching in a vibrant Southern California setting.

The campus in Fullerton offers state-of-the-art facilities, including the largest university-based optometry clinic in the U.S., serving over 50,000 patients annually. This environment provides unique hands-on opportunities for faculty and staff. Whether you're seeking faculty positions, research roles, or administrative jobs, SCCO emphasizes innovation in eye health, from pediatric vision care to advanced contact lens fitting.

📜 A Brief History of SCCO and Its Career Legacy

Tracing its roots to 1904, SCCO has a rich history of leadership in optometric education. It was the first optometry school west of the Mississippi River and played a pivotal role in establishing optometry as a profession. Key milestones include pioneering low vision services in the 1950s and launching one of the first Doctor of Optometry (OD) programs. Today, as part of MBKU, it continues this legacy with cutting-edge research centers focused on ocular disease and vision therapy.

This historical foundation influences jobs at Southern California College of Optometry, fostering a culture of excellence where faculty contribute to groundbreaking studies, such as those on myopia progression in children, published in leading journals like Optometry and Vision Science.

Academic Programs Driving Job Opportunities

SCCO's core program is the four-year Doctor of Optometry (OD), accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). Graduates achieve a 98% pass rate on national boards. Additional offerings include Master of Science in Vision Science and combined OD/MS or OD/PhD paths. These programs create demand for specialized faculty in areas like binocular vision, ocular pharmacology, and rehabilitation optometry.

Clinical rotations at the on-campus EyeCare Center and external sites expose students to diverse patient populations, necessitating experienced clinicians for teaching roles. Administrative jobs support student services, admissions, and clinic operations in this dynamic ecosystem.

Career Paths: Types of Jobs at SCCO

Jobs at Southern California College of Optometry span teaching, research, and patient care. Common positions include:

• Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Optometry: Instruct in lecture halls and clinics.
• Clinical Instructor: Supervise patient exams and procedures.
• Vision Science Researcher: Lead studies on topics like glaucoma management.
• Residency Program Director: Oversee post-graduate training.
• Clinic Administrator: Manage operations at multiple locations.

For more on university job types, explore our detailed guide. SCCO also posts openings in higher ed faculty jobs and research jobs.

Definitions

To fully understand jobs at Southern California College of Optometry, key terms include:

• Optometry: The healthcare profession focused on examining, diagnosing, treating, and managing eye diseases and vision disorders.
• Doctor of Optometry (OD): The professional degree required for optometric practice, involving four years of postgraduate study after a bachelor's degree.
• Vision Science: The interdisciplinary field studying visual function, ocular anatomy, and perception, often overlapping with neuroscience and optics.
• Residency in Optometry: Advanced clinical training post-OD, specializing in areas like cornea and contact lenses or neuro-optometry.
• ACOE Accreditation: Approval by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education, ensuring program quality for licensure eligibility.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Experience, and Skills

Securing jobs at Southern California College of Optometry demands rigorous credentials. Entry-level faculty roles require an OD degree, California optometric licensure, and completion of a one-year residency. Advanced positions prefer a PhD in physiological optics or related fields.

Research focus areas include anterior segment disease, pediatric optometry, and telemedicine in eye care. Preferred experience encompasses peer-reviewed publications (aim for 5+), grant funding from bodies like the American Optometric Foundation, and clinical hours exceeding 3,000.

Essential skills and competencies:

• Proficiency in diagnostic technologies like optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• Teaching aptitude, demonstrated through student mentoring or workshops.
• Interpersonal skills for patient interaction and team collaboration.
• Data analysis for research, using tools like SPSS or MATLAB.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning via continuing education.

These align with SCCO's mission to advance optometric excellence.

Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Southern California College of Optometry begins on the MBKU careers page. Submit a tailored CV (highlighting clinical hours and publications), cover letter (addressing your fit for SCCO's patient-centered approach), three references, and a teaching philosophy statement.

Actionable tips:

1. Research recent SCCO publications to reference in your materials.
2. Network at American Academy of Optometry meetings.
3. Prepare for panel interviews with mock patient cases.
4. Follow up with a thank-you email reiterating your passion for vision education.
5. Use our free resume template and cover letter template for academics.

Timeline: Postings close after 30-60 days; expect 4-6 weeks for initial response. For broader advice, visit how to write a winning academic CV.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at SCCO 🌍

SCCO champions diversity through targeted recruitment, offering scholarships like the Diversity in Optometry Award for underrepresented minorities. The DEI Committee hosts cultural competency workshops and partners with the Black Optometric Association. Recent efforts include increasing faculty diversity to 25% from underrepresented groups and inclusive curriculum on health disparities in eye care. These initiatives create an equitable environment for all employees.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life in Fullerton

Fullerton's mild climate and proximity to Los Angeles enhance campus life at SCCO. Faculty benefit from flexible scheduling, allowing clinic hours from 8 AM-5 PM with remote lecturing options. Wellness programs include gym access, mental health days, and family leave exceeding state minimums.

The 20-acre campus features collaborative spaces, a research library, and events like Vision Science Symposia. Nearby attractions—beaches, hiking in the Santa Ana Mountains—support balance. Employees praise the supportive culture, with low turnover and sabbatical opportunities every seven years.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

SCCO's research enterprise, funded by over $1 million annually, explores topics like diabetic retinopathy screening and VR for vision training. Join labs like the Myopia Control Clinic, contributing to clinical trials that influence national guidelines. Collaboration with UCI and CHOC Children's Hospital amplifies impact.

Check research jobs or clinical research jobs for openings.

Why Pursue Jobs at SCCO?

In summary, jobs at Southern California College of Optometry offer a blend of teaching, research, and clinical excellence in sunny Fullerton. With competitive salaries, robust benefits, and a forward-thinking environment, it's ideal for optometry professionals. Explore more higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. For employer branding tips, read our employer branding secrets.