Georgia Southern University has secured nearly $40 million in state funding to advance several transformative projects, including the establishment of the state's first College of Optometry.

The funding, made through Georgia's Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget (HB 973), will support the renovation of the Highway 301 building in Statesboro, creating a facility designed to educate and train future doctors of optometry.

The College of Optometry is intended to address a growing demand for eye care professionals throughout Georgia, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to vision care remains limited. By training optometrists within the state, Georgia Southern aims to strengthen Georgia’s healthcare workforce pipeline while improving long-term health outcomes for residents.

“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,” said House Speaker Jon Burns. “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.”

In addition to expanding healthcare access, the college will create new educational opportunities for Georgia students interested in careers in vision care. Students will gain access to advanced academic preparation and clinical training experiences that previously required them to leave the state.

The proposed college will offer a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, pending approval by the University System of Georgia. The program must also complete accreditation processes through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education before enrolling students.