Marshall B Ketchum University (Southern California College of Optometry)

Located in Fullerton, CA, Marshall B. Ketchum University is an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution. Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU) is home to the Southern California College of Optometry (Est. 1904), School of PA Studies (Est. 2012), and College of Pharmacy (Est. 2014). Ketchum University owns and operates two eye and vision care centers: the University Eye Center at Ketchum Health Anaheim and the University Eye Center at Ketchum Health Los Angeles.Marshall B. Ketchum, MD, founded the Los Angeles Medical School of Ophthalmology and Optometry in March 1904, in downtown Los Angeles, CA. In 1906, the name was changed to the Los Angeles Optical College and Post Graduate School of Opticians. In 1909, the school affiliated with the Southern California Eye College and became the Southern California College of Optometry and Ophthalmology. At the time, two degrees were conferred by the school, Doctor of Optometry for a six-month term ($75 tuition) and a Doctor of Ophthalmology and Optometry for an eight-month term ($100 tuition). During the early 1920s, the faculty worked to develop a standard curriculum and expanded the program to two years. In 1930, the school became affiliated with the University of Southern California (USC). During this time, there were debates about scope of practice, the program's curriculum and degree earned, and optometry licensing. In 1933, the school split from USC and once again became the Los Angeles School of Optometry. The school began a rebuilding phase after the split from USC by strengthening its curriculum and building a program for Optometric Assistants (which wasn't successfully implemented until 1973). After WWII, a flood of applicants forced class sizes to increase and administration to look for a larger campus. In 1948, the school became the Los Angeles College of Optometry and moved to a larger campus at 950 West Jefferson in Los Angeles, CA. After many years of growth and development, the search for a larger campus resulted in developing a new Fullerton campus in the early 1970s. During this time the college also underwent a name change to Southern California College of Optometry in 1972. The college moved to 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd., Fullerton, in 1973.