FULLERTON, Calif.—Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU), an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution headquartered in Fullerton, Calif., has announced the 120th anniversary celebration of its Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) this year. Originally founded in 1904, SCCO noted that it was the first optometry school in California and has earned a reputation as one of the oldest in the nation. Julie A. Schornack, OD, MEd, president at MBKU, said, “SCCO's 120-year journey signifies more than just longevity; it represents a commitment to best-in-class optometric education.

"This milestone is an opportunity to recognize the collective efforts of the leaders, faculty, students and alumni who have shaped not only our institutional legacy but the long-term success of thousands of health care professionals.”

SCCO offers doctor of optometry (OD) and master of science (MS) in vision science degrees, with its OD program accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association (AOA), enabling graduates to practice in all 50 states, according to the announcement. SCCO provides small cohort sizes averaging 100 students, involvement in 15 optometry-related clubs and dedicated faculty mentors for each student. Additionally, the college offers residency programs across the country that offer a year of post-graduate clinical opportunities to support students in refining their clinical expertise and pursuing specialization. The college also has a long history of nationally and internationally recognized research contributions.

Two advanced University Eye Centers in Anaheim Hills and Los Angeles, Calif., underscore SCCO’s dedication to hands-on learning, community impact and accessible, quality care, according to the announcement. These Ketchum Health facilities enable students to gain hands-on experience across a spectrum of specialties—from primary care and cornea/contact lenses to pediatric vision care, ocular disease treatment and vision therapy—while also receiving exposure to cutting-edge technologies and making an impact on the community.

Central to MBKU's educational ethos is its emphasis on interprofessional learning, which cultivates future professionals who prioritize teamwork and holistic patient well-being; students in MBKU’s optometry, pharmacy and physician assistant programs actively engage in real-world simulations, collaborative projects and case studies, fostering practical insights into efficient health care teamwork, the school noted.

Susan Cotter, OD, MS, FAAO, president of the American Academy of Optometry and faculty member at SCCO, said, “Our focus on interprofessional collaboration is something that truly sets SCCO apart. By curating a more holistic approach to optometric education, we empower our students to excel by equipping them with the diverse skill set needed to adapt in today’s rapidly evolving medical landscape.”