UTRGV finalizes purchase of new location for School of Optometry
University expands its footprint in McAllen
Edinburg News, Edinburg TX News, higher education, UTRGV, School of Optometry
Staff Report
McAllen, TX - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has completed the purchase of the former Monitor newspaper building in McAllen, a landmark facility that will become the future home of the university’s new School of Optometry and support expanded health, research and academic initiatives in the Rio Grande Valley.
University expands health and academic footprint
The nearly 89,000-square-foot facility includes office and warehouse space and is located about 1.5 miles from the recently opened UTRGV Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center at 495 Commerce Center. University officials said the proximity of the two sites is expected to strengthen UTRGV’s capacity to deliver education, clinical services and research that address regional needs.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey said the acquisition represents a significant milestone for both the university and the Valley.
“With this facility located near our Cancer and Surgery Center, we’re strengthening a corridor for learning, research and care that serves our students and the RGV community,” Bailey said.
School of Optometry plans move toward 2027 launch
The UTRGV School of Optometry received Stage One designation from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education in May 2025, marking a key step toward full accreditation. The program is scheduled to launch in fall 2027. Once fully accredited, UTRGV would become only the second public university in Texas to offer a Doctor of Optometry degree.
William Miller, dean of the School of Optometry, said the building will allow the program to develop clinical and instructional spaces while expanding partnerships tied to community health.
“This facility will allow us to build the clinics, learning spaces and partnerships needed to expand access to eye care, prepare future optometrists who understand the needs of our communities, and grow research and academic initiatives that drive long-term health and opportunity for our region,” Miller said.
Source -- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley News and Media Relations.