UPIKE Newsroom

The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) Private Practice Club (PPC) was recently presented with the Student Optometric Leadership Network’s (SOLN) prestigious Preston Cup during the 8^th annual leadership conference in Houston. The Preston Cup is awarded annually to one SOLN private practice or practice management club that has gone above and beyond.

KYCO PPC was recognized for its 20/20 Isn’t Everything Workshop. The workshop allowed KYCO students to work with Riverview Elementary in Grundy, Va., to educate faculty about the signs and challenges of students with vision problems. KYCO students were able to improve their skills with hands-on training, develop community relationships and promote the importance of pediatric eye exams.  

 To accept the award on the club’s behalf at this year’s conference were club President Aaron Mullins and President-Elect Ambrosia Makini. Both Mullins and Makini presented at the conference, highlighting KYCO PPC’s activities over the course of the previous academic year.

KYCO PPC’s executive board (Marybeth Massengill, Mullins, Jen Krueger, Jake Goeser, Meredith Tillman and Makini) has worked diligently throughout the club’s inaugural year to create a brand identity and social media presence.

“As the founding members, Mary Beth Massengill and I were honored to receive this award on behalf of KYCO PPC,” reflected Mullins. “We are especially grateful to have had such an amazing team working alongside us. The initiatives implemented this past year allowed us to work closely with members of our community, our profession and our family here at UPIKE.”

The KYCO PPC provides optometry students with opportunities to explore different practice modalities.

“Our club supplies different resources and opportunities to those interested in pursuing private practice. In the future, we hope our club continues to encourage students to explore the many possibilities of private practice,” said Makini.