MEMPHIS, Tenn.—The Southern College of Optometry's (SCO) patient outreach programs has provided $5,609,301 in uncompensated and under-compensated optometric care for Mid-South patients during the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to a statement from the college. SCO, located here, is an independent, not-for-profit institution of higher education with more than 500 students and residents from 40 states. These discounted eyecare figures represent a 4.4 percent compound annual growth rate since the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncompensated care, according to SCO, is professional services delivered at no charge, and under-compensated care is professional services at a discount.

This amount is calculated by numerous outreach programs geared toward bringing free and affordable eyecare to the community, as well as care for uninsured or underinsured patients at SCO’s three clinical facilities. This includes The Eye Center on its campus, University Eye Care at the University of Memphis and FocalPoint at Crosstown Concourse.

“The lack of access to vision care in our region is among the highest in the nation, leaving many children and adults living with vision disorders and diseases they may not even know about,” said Lewis Reich, president of SCO. “Vision care is an important component of overall health care, and Southern College of Optometry is committed to serving our fellow community members by opening to them a door to a service they either may not afford or have covered by their insurance. As a bonus, all SCO students take part in these community outreach programs, which immerses them further in their training to become professional optometrists, as well as inspires them to continue a life of service after they graduate and begin their careers in the communities they choose to practice.”

Each year, 45,000 patients visit SCO’s three clinics, and an additional 20,000 patients receive services through the institution’s community outreach programs, the college stated. Efforts include free screenings at K-12 schools, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and through community partners like Project Homeless Connect and Youth Villages.