Georgia university receives state funding for state's first college of optometry

Georgia Southern University has been awarded nearly $40 million in state funding across 2 budget cycles to support several initiatives, most notably the establishment of Georgia's first college of optometry, according to a news release.¹

“The College of Optometry addresses a critical healthcare need in our region and state, and aligns closely with Georgia Southern’s Biomedical and Health Innovation Interdisciplinary Cluster of University Excellence (ICUE), which brings together scientists, health professionals, engineers, business leaders and public health experts to advance breakthroughs in advanced patient care and medical technology,” said Georgia Southern University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Avinandan Mukherjee, PhD, in the release. “This interdisciplinary approach enhances clinical training and prepares students to address complex health challenges and accelerate innovation in patient care.”

The university received $29.8 million through the state's Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to renovate the Highway 301 building in Statesboro and create a facility to house the new program. The college would offer a Doctor of Optometry degree, pending approval by the University System of Georgia and accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.¹

"Georgia Southern is grateful for the support of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, the General Assembly, particularly Speaker Jon Burns, Chairman Parrish and our legislative delegation for making funding the college of optometry a priority," said university President Kyle Marrero in a news release. “The new college of optometry will enhance Georgia Southern’s growing portfolio of health professions programs and further solidify the University’s role as a leader in meeting Georgia’s workforce needs.”

House Speaker Jon Burns also commented on the investment: "Increasing access to quality, affordable healthcare in every corner of the state remains a top priority for the Georgia House, which is why we were proud to support this historic investment in our state's first college of optometry. The future graduates of this institution will serve communities across Georgia, helping expand access to critical vision care that is so important to our quality of life, and strengthening our healthcare workforce for generations to come.”

Other allocations identified in the FY 2027 budget, signed May 12, cited an additional $5.5 million to establish the Georgia Southern University Literacy Center under the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, $4.2 million for HVAC renovation at the East Georgia Campus, and a $1 million endowment match for the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar position. Specifically, the literacy center will develop professional development programs for teachers and literacy coaches grounded in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, according to the university.¹

Separately, the state committed $300 million to fund the DREAMS Scholarship Program, a statewide needs-based aid endowment administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, with $25 million in expendable scholarship funds available in fall 2026. Kemp also allocated $104.6 million for a 1-time $2000 salary supplement for full-time state employees, including those in the University System of Georgia, according to the release.¹

Chief Optometric Editor Ben Casella, OD, FAAO, also added, “It is incredible that Georgia will have an optometry school, and it is actually happening. The rural south is in great need of more primary eyecare and eyecare in general. It has been for sometime. This will do well to fill that void many have been talking about, but few have been able to do much about for quite a few years. Many thanks to the Georgia State legislature, Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Optometric Association, and all others involved in this paramount decision-making process for bringing this idea to fruition.”

Reference

1. Georgia Southern University receives state funding for Georgia’s first college of optometry, literacy center. News release. Georgia Southern University. May 26, 2026. Accessed June 2, 2026. https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/2026/05/26/georgia-southern-university-receives-state-funding-for-georgias-first-college-of-optometry-literacy-center