UPIKE Newsroom

The University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) held its first-ever awards luncheon honoring graduates on May 5 in the Health Professions Education Building.

Taylor Runyon, O.D., of Belfry, Ky., received the Dean’s Award. The award is presented to a graduating student who has shown outstanding leadership while maintaining a high academic score. 

Runyon was also awarded the National Vision Senior Award, which is presented to the graduating student who has a grade point average of at least 3.25 and demonstrated service throughout their schooling through outreach programs offered by the school or through other avenues.

Brittany Martin Varney, O.D., of Krypton, Ky., received the President’s Award. The award is presented to the Class of 2022 Valedictorian. 

Additionally, Varney received the Beta Sigma Kappa Highest Award, presented to the graduating student with the highest grade point average. 

Joseph McArthur, O.D., of Ridgeland, Miss., received the Board of Trustees’ Award. The award is presented to a graduating senior who earned the highest score on Part One of the National Boards. 

Kortny Lancaster, O.D., of Rock Springs, Wyo., received the award in honor of the Dean at KYCO, the Dr. Michael and Kelly Bacigalupi Family Award for Advanced Therapeutics. The award is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated special interest and skill in the area of advanced therapeutics and laser treatment by optometrists. 

Laura Keith, O.D., of Shelbyville, Tenn., received the Ibironke Family Legacy and Leadership Award. Instituted in 2020 by Assistant Dean and Professor at KYCO, Josephine Ibironke, O.D., MPH, in honor of her parents, children and siblings, the award is presented to a graduate who consistently exemplifies discipline, empathy, dedication and humility in service to all patients. 

Additionally, Keith received the Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care. The award is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and recognizes a graduating student representing clinical patient care as demonstrated by his/her: (a) overall knowledge in the contact lens field, and (b) skillful, considerate and professional care of his/her contact lens patients. The student must be a member of the AAO. 

Hannah Bowser, O.D., of Pfafftown, N.C., received the Dr. Ronald McCoy Community Service Award, presented to a graduating student who exemplifies Dr. Ronald McCoy’s commitment to community service.

Michelle Seif, O.D., of Canton, Ohio, received the Alcon 4th Year Optometry Student Case Report Award. The award is presented to the graduating student whose Case Report was chosen by the awards committee.

Maya Seif, O.D., of Canton, Ohio, received the College of Optometrists in Vision Development Award of Excellence. The award is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated strong interest and clinical skills in the area of vision therapy.

Hannah Busroe, O.D., of Harlan, Ky., received the Commonwealth of Kentucky Award, sponsored by David Cowen, M.D., FACS. The award is presented to a graduating student who is most passionate and committed to the excellence of eye care in Eastern Kentucky.

Silva Lo, O.D., of Nebo, N.C., received the EschenBach Low Vision Student Award. The award is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding clinical application, exceptional aptitude and interest in the field of low vision.

Josie Ziegler, O.D., of Dexter, Mich., received the Contact Lens Clinical Excellence Award sponsored by Gas Permeable Lens Institute. The award is presented to a graduating student for outstanding enthusiasm and achievement with gas-permeable contact lenses in the clinical environment. 

Dominique Fulk, O.D., of Bradenton, Fla., received the Good-Lite Pediatric Vision Care Award. The award is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated a high passion and excellence in pediatrics and binocular vision.

Kevin Campbell, O.D., of Hilton Head Island, S.C., received the Kentucky Optometric Association Advocacy Award. The award is presented to the graduating KYCO student who is a vocal advocate for organized optometry, seeks to advance and protect the profession, and demonstrates outstanding dedication and contribution to the profession, the Kentucky Optometric Association, and the legislative process.

Kristen Jolley Johnson, O.D., of Rockwood, Tenn., received the Metro Optics Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care. The award is presented to an outstanding graduate clinician who has demonstrated excellence in contact lens patient care, including the student’s overall knowledge in the contact lens field and skillful, considerate and professional care of their contact lens patients.

Stephanie Solomon, O.D., of Baltimore, Md., received the Metro Optics Excellence in Contact Lens Skills Award. The award is presented to a graduating student who has shown exceptional skills in the fitting of gas permeable and specialty contact lenses.

Tyler Pope, O.D., of Lexington, Ky., received the Pioneer International Senior Leadership Award. The award is presented to a graduating student who has helped pave the way for not only their classmates and schoolmates but also incoming students.

Audrey Moore, O.D., of Calvert City, Ky., received the Pioneer International Senior Excellence Award. The award is presented to a graduating student who has shown excellence in care, compassion and consideration for not only their patients, but also for the field of optometry.

Heather Hinderlight, O.D., of Corbin, Ky., received the SECO Clinical Excellence Award. The award is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding clinical performance.

Koen Elswick, O.D., of Norton, Va., received Vispero’s Optelec Excellence in Low Vision Award. The award is presented to a graduating student who has excelled academically or has contributed to a university service, and has a special interest in low vision.

Josiah Bolyard, O.D., of Green Bank, W.Va., received the VSP Global Private Practice Award. The award is presented to a graduating student based on academic achievement, clinical and patient care, and leadership qualities with a special focus on private practice.