UPIKE Newsroom

The University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) proudly celebrates the residency placements of several members of its Class of 2025. These competitive post-graduate opportunities will allow graduates to continue advancing their clinical skills and gain specialized training in various areas of optometry across the United States.

Residency training enhances the preparation of optometric physicians, offering advanced experience in specialties such as ocular disease, contact lenses, pediatrics, and vision rehabilitation. KYCO’s commitment to comprehensive clinical education and patient care ensures that its graduates are not only clinically proficient but also compassionate providers equipped to serve diverse communities with excellence.

KYCO graduate, Jessica Olson, O.D., knew early in her optometric journey that she wanted to serve communities where access to care is often limited. With a passion for pediatric vision and rehabilitation, she chose to pursue a residency that would allow her to deepen her clinical expertise and better meet the needs of patients in rural settings.

“I wanted to do a residency to expand my knowledge and comfort in pediatrics and vision rehabilitation,” said Olson. “Because I want to practice in a rural area, I want to be the best prepared for whatever walks in the door in order to provide the best care that I can for my future patients.”  

Brooke Radcliff, O.D., has chosen to continue her optometric training through a residency in ocular disease—an opportunity that will allow her to advance her clinical expertise in diagnosing and managing complex visual conditions. 

“I am excited to pursue this ocular disease residency because it provides the perfect environment to deepen my understanding of complex visual disorders and sharpen my diagnostic and management skills,” said Radcliff. “I am eager to immerse myself in advanced clinical training, focusing on conditions such as retinal diseases, glaucoma, and corneal disorders, which will enhance my ability to offer comprehensive, cutting-edge care to my patients. The opportunity to work with experienced mentors and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team will equip me with the tools and confidence to handle even the most challenging ocular cases.” excellence is reflected in the success of these students.

The following members of the KYCO Class of 2025 have matched with residency programs: Gabrielle Anderson, O.D., Vance Thompson Vision, Sioux Falls, S.D., in Ocular Disease with an emphasis in Refractive and Ocular Surgery and Glaucoma; Megan Carry, O.D., University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry, Pikeville, Ky., in Pediatric Optometry; Madison Chisom, O.D., Vistar Eye Center, Roanoke, Va., in Ocular Disease with an emphasis in Refractive and Ocular Surgery; Mitchell Haynes, O.D., University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry, Pikeville, Ky., in Primary Care Optometry with an emphasis in Ocular Disease; Gracie Lee, O.D., W. G. Hefner VA Medical Center, Salisbury, N.C., in Ocular Disease; Ruby Martinez, O.D.,  Jacksonville North Va., Outpatient Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla., in Primary Care Optometry with an emphasis in Ocular Disease; Jessica Olson, O.D., Indianapolis Eye Care Center, Indianapolis, Ind., in Vision Rehabilitation with an emphasis in Ocular Disease; Brooke Radcliffe, O.D., Cincinnati Eye Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, in Ocular Disease; Diana Scavuzzo, O.D., Omni Eye Services of Atlanta, Atlanta, Ga., in Ocular Disease; Allison Shelton-Tahdooahnippah, O.D., Chinle Service Unit IHS, Chinle, Ariz., in Ocular Disease; Crystal Wade, O.D., Omni Eye Services, Atlanta, Ga, in Vision Rehabilitation with an emphasis in Ocular Disease.

“We are so proud of the Class of 2025,” said Dean of KYCO, Renee Reeder, O.D., FAAO, FBCLA, FSLS, FIACLE. “These placements represent the strength of our program and the dedication of our alumni to advancing optometric care and patient outcomes.”

To learn more about KYCO, please visit https://www.upike.edu/optometry/kyco-residencies/