Optometry College Breaks Ground On Pediatric Eyecare Center

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — The State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry leadership held a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new Center for Pediatric Eye Care.

The 5,000-square-foot facility on the 10th floor of the college’s midtown Manhattan campus will consolidate pediatric-related services to accommodate a growing number of children and families requiring basic and advanced eyecare at the University Eye Center.

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The space will include eight new exam rooms opening into a collaboration zone for consultation and interprofessional care coordination, a designated exam room for children with special needs, a quiet room, a child-friendly waiting area with interactive activities and a dedicated space for optical dispensing.

“Our innovative clinical care environment will also provide a state-of-the-art educational environment that incorporates clinical research and evidence-based practice to train future eye care professionals,” said SUNY Optometry president David A. Heath. “We will have a pediatric service unlike any other in the country and provide for the children of New York City and beyond thanks to the generous support of our many donors.”

Our Vision for Children, the college’s capital campaign for the new facility, secured $2.5 million for construction, equipment, innovative diagnostic technology and modern furnishings to create a welcoming environment for the UEC’s youngest patients and their families.

SUNY Optometry received $1.5 million from the State of New York’s NYSUNY 2020 Awards to not only expand its clinical care facility but also provide a template for the future integration of contemporary health professions education and accommodate the college’s enrollment management plan.

The Optometric Center of New York, the college’s affiliated foundation, secured a $200,000 grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for construction, equipment and support of the new pediatric initiative. SNF is one of the world’s leading private, international philanthropic organizations and has committed more than $2.8 billion through more than 4,400 grants to nonprofit organizations in 124 nations around the world since 1996.

The new Center for Pediatric Eye Care will open in early 2020.