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By: Amy Charles | March 30, 2026
The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) held its traditional White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, March 28, in the Health Professions Education Building on UPIKE’s campus. Fifty-two members of the Class of 2028 received their white coats in the presence of family, friends and others from the campus community.
White coat ceremonies are widely recognized as rites of passage for students entering health professions, reinforcing the values of professionalism, compassion and commitment to patient-centered care. Students were given the symbolic white coat, representing their entry into the optometric profession.
“This white coat you receive today is more than a garment. It is a symbol of professionalism, compassion and the trust your patients place in you,” said KYCO Dean Renee Reeder, O.D., FAAO, FBCLA, FSLS, FIACLE, FNAP. “When someone sits in your chair, they are placing their confidence in you, not just for your knowledge, but for your care.”
The ceremony marks a significant milestone in the students’ professional journey as they transition from the classroom into clinical training. The white coat itself serves as a powerful symbol of trust, responsibility and dedication to healing. These principles guide students throughout their education and future careers.
“The white coat is an honor, a privilege and an earned right of passage that represents the transitioning of a professional graduate student to healthcare practice and patient care,” said Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Donald J. Egan, O.D., FAAO, FNAP. “Optometric students are given a white coat as a visual reminder of their professional oath and commitment to providing high-quality health care.”
During the ceremony, students recited the KYCO Professional Conduct Pledge, affirming their commitment to ethical practice and the well-being of their patients. Faculty leaders also offered remarks recognizing the importance of this milestone and the responsibility that accompanies the privilege of patient care.
Brad Lane, O.D., MBA, M.Ed., FAAMOS, vice president of the Southern Council of Optometrists (SECO International), served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony. He encouraged the students to use their education and training to better their communities.
“I used to think success meant leaving where I came from, leaving the small town and leaving the struggle,” Lane said. “But I’ve come to understand something different. The goal isn’t just to leave. The goal is to become something, and then decide what you’re going to do with it. Use it to serve. Use it to lead. Use it to make a difference in the lives of people who are trusting you. So, as you put on that white coat today, wear it with pride. Wear it with purpose. But more than anything, let it reflect who you are.”