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Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) is the only college of optometry in Kentucky. Become part of a community of medical professionals providing vision care to those who need it most, and learn in an environment built with the future of optometry in mind. At KYCO, faculty, staff and administration embrace the expanded scope of optometric practice in Kentucky with unique clinical experiences and a challenging curriculum. KYCO students are afforded an abundance of rewarding clinical opportunities serving patients in need.
All equipment, textbooks and technology are provided at no additional cost to students.
Students serve patients from the blindest region in the U.S. in community clinics and hospitals.
Practice with new and advanced equipment and technology in KYCO’s innovative 103,000 square foot facility.
The University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) proudly announces the residency placements of three Class of 2025 optometry graduates, representing KYCO and other institutions, into KYCO-affiliated and partner programs. These residency opportunities represent a continued commitment to advanced clinical education and training in diverse optometric specialties within KYCO and its extended network. […]
The University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry is pleased to announce the Spring 2025 Dean’s List. The Dean’s List recognizes students whose term GPA is 3.50 or higher.
The University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) held its awards luncheon honoring the Class of 2025 in the Health Professions Education Building on May 8. Jacob Paul Keener, O.D., was awarded the Dean’s Award, presented to a graduating student who has shown outstanding leadership while maintaining high academic standards. Keener also received […]
The Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) held its traditional White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, April 5, in the Health Professions Education Building. Fifty-nine members of the Class of 2027 received their white coats before a gathering of family, friends and university faculty. KYCO Dean Renee Reeder, O.D., FAAO, FBCLA, FSLS, FIACLE, welcomed attendees and shared […]
Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) student Robert Harkleroad has been awarded the David and Jeanne Keith Changing Lives Scholarship, valued at $1,000, by David Keith, founder of David Keith Ophthalmic. This prestigious scholarship recognizes Harkleroad’s dedication to optometry and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others through vision care. Harkleroad, a […]
The University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry is pleased to announce the Fall 2024 Dean’s List. The Dean’s List recognizes students whose term GPA is 3.50 or higher. Congratulations to the following KYCO students: Zachary AustinLauren BaileyZoe BakerAbriel BennettHaleigh BluedornKyle BoyetteMackencie BrownFate BrunswickAlyssa BuchananHannah BuddeAmber BurtonShawn BuscheJacob ClancyMallory DavisCarleigh DeitschJonathan Droke Bailie FeatherstonAndrew FleecsTucker […]
Four University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) students were awarded scholarships from National Vision. This marks the second year of National Vision’s pledge to KYCO to provide $20,000 in scholarships annually for five years, totaling $100,000. The scholarship funds four incoming first-year optometry students interested in practicing in rural communities, each receiving $5,000. The […]
In collaboration with the Health Wagon, the University of Pikeville Kentucky-College of Optometry (KYCO) will host a free upcoming Ocular Disease Screening on Thursday, November 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Dr. Smiddy Clinic, Health Wagon, Wise, Va. Attendees will step inside the mobile unit where KYCO students can screen patients for eye […]
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The University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). The Doctor of Optometry (OD) program is Accredited. The ACOE is the specialized accrediting body for optometry that provides quality assurances concerning educational preparation of members of the optometric profession. The Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) is next scheduled for a full evaluation visit by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) in 2028.
Contact information for ACOE can be found at:
Accreditation Council on Optometric Education243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141Telephone: 800-365-2219Email address: accredit@theacoe.orgWebsite: www.theACOE.org
To review accreditation, approval, or licensing documentation, please contact the Dean’s Office at 606-218-5510