Pre-Opto Programs

The Kentucky College of Optometry offers programs designed to give future optometrists a competitive edge through research opportunities, faculty mentorship, and early exposure to the profession. These programs lay the academic and clinical groundwork for your next step. From labs to shadowing opportunities, you’ll move one step closer to becoming a Doctor of Optometry.

Accelerated Joint Degree Program

The Biomedical Science and Optometry 3+4 Joint Degree Program at UPIKE allows students to earn both a
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biomedical Science and a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree in just 7 years.

The program covers the Biomedical Science major requirements, excluding specific biochemistry courses. During the first year at KYCO, optometry courses (e.g., Geometric Optics, Ocular Anatomy, Medical Physiology) fulfill the remaining undergraduate requirements.

Admission and Requirements

Students must:

• Receive KYCO acceptance
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
• Complete the OAT during the December break of the 3rd undergraduate year.
• Earn a minimum of 300 academic average and 290 total science score on the OAT.
• Complete Application to KYCO by January 15th of the 3rd year.
• Meet all other requirements of the KYCO application and selection process.
• Elective courses critical to success at KYCO, like Immunology and Histology, are recommended.

Program Benefits

The program offers guidance from both the undergraduate and graduate colleges, helps students save on tuition, and accelerates entry into the optometry field

Optometry Scholars Program (OSP)

The Optometry Scholars Program (OSP) at the University of Pikeville, in partnership with the Kentucky College of
Optometry (KYCO), offers high school seniors a pathway to guaranteed admission to the Doctor of Optometry
(O.D.) program, provided certain requirements are met.

There are 10 seats offered per year for the OSP program and they are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the application cycle. To remain a member of the OSP program and guarantee admissions the applicant must maintain a 3.4 cumulative and science GPA in their undergraduate work and received a grade of “C” or better in all required prerequisites.

Additionally, all applicants will be required to take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) and score the minimum score required for the program at the time of application, currently 300. All applicants will be required to participate fully in OSP activities and exhibit proper ethical and professional qualities and conduct.

The applicant must submit a complete application through OptomCAS the application cycle prior to matriculating into the optometry program.

Application Procedure/Checklist:

• Applicants must submit an undergraduate application for admissions to the University of Pikeville
• Applicants must submit high school transcripts and standardized (ACT/SAT) test scores
• Applicants must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine federal, state, and institutional aid.  The FAFSA application opened October 1st and the UPIKE institutional code is 001980
• Applicants must submit an autobiographical essay that discusses future plans and aspirations (500 words)
• Applicants must submit at least three letters of recommendation as outlined below
  • High school administrator (Principal, Assistant Principal, Guidance/College Counselor)
  • Science or math instructor
  • Non-Family Optometrist

You may either drop letters of recommendation off to Kentucky College of Optometry Admissions in the Health Professions Building or mail the letters directly to KYCO Admissions.

Eligibility

OSP Applicants must:

• Be applying as an incoming freshman (current high school senior)
• Have a minimum 26 ACT or a 1200 on the two-score SAT, be in the top 10% of graduating class or have a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Be a legal resident of the U.S.
  Preference given to residents of the Appalachian Area, Rural U.S. or other underserved U.S. area

*** Applicants that meet the minimum listed test score and GPA criteria will be most competitive for an OSP interview.  Due to COVID related testing restrictions, applicants that do not meet the ACT/SAT test minimum requirements may still be considered for an interview.

Completed application packages must be received by March 1 of your senior year in high school.  Applications are reviewed as they are submitted and interviews will be set up and conducted by the KYCO Admissions Committee.

Opportunities for Students in the 3+4 and OSP Programs

• Pre-Optometry Open House Events: Participate in informational sessions held in both the Fall and Spring to learn more about the field and the program.
• KYCO Research: Engage in research opportunities through the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) to enhance academic and professional growth.
• Clinical Experience: Act as patients for KYCO optometry students during their lab sessions, gaining valuable insight into clinical practice.
• OAT Book Drive: Access to OAT prep material from book drives, supporting the preparation of future optometry students.
• Annual KYCO Career Day: Attend this event to connect with professionals, explore career pathways, and gain industry insights.
• Pre-Optometry Engagements: Take part in various KYCO pre-optometry activities, including Optometry Camp and Shadowing at the Jerald F. Combs Eye Clinic. OSP students can participate in the 3+4 program.
• Faculty and Facility Access: Benefit from direct access to KYCO faculty, staff, student ambassadors, and state-of-the-art facilities, enriching the learning experience.

OAT Grant Program

The Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) at UPIKE offers an OAT Grant Program that aims to reduce financial barriers for underrepresented and minority students, as well as those facing financial hardships, to help them take the OAT exam.

The grant covers the full cost of the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), including current study materials. Since 2020, more than 55 students have received this support, allowing them to complete a key requirement for optometry school admission. The grant is made possible by local donors and industry partners whose contributions have helped expand the program and reach more future optometrists.

The program is open to students across the United States, regardless of whether they plan to attend KYCO. Applicants are not required to be UPIKE students.

The grant is open year-round and awarded as funding allows.

Summer Camp

The KYCO Summer Optometry Camp offers a 3-day interactive experience for pre-health and pre-optometry students at the University of Pikeville.

The camp gives students a hands-on look at the field of optometry and broader healthcare professions, providing exposure to the application and interview process, optometry classes, and meaningful interactions with optometrists, KYCO students and faculty.

• Explore KYCO’s state-of-the-art Health Professions Education Building
• Join virtual anatomy demos and lab activities
• Learn how to apply to optometry school and prepare for interviews
• Connect with KYCO faculty, staff and current students
• Gain insight into the profession’s work-life balance and opportunities in rural health

Speakers from KYCO, including the dean and faculty leaders, share personal experiences and highlight the impact of optometry in Appalachia.

Participation, housing, meals and all activities are free for campers. Up to 20 rising juniors and seniors in high school or college students will be selected, with a focus on underrepresented minorities and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Application Requirements

1. Complete the camp application.
2. Submit a 300-500 word essay on your interest in optometry.
3. Provide a letter of recommendation from a science or math instructor.
4. Upload an official transcript.
5. Submit ACT/SAT/PSAT scores (or unofficial copies for high school seniors).

Clinic Shadowing

The Jerald F. Combs Eye Clinic Shadowing Program at UPIKE’s Kentucky College of Optometry offers aspiring optometrists the opportunity to observe professionals in real clinical settings across multiple specialties.

Participants will:

• Observe a typical day in the clinic
• Learn how optometrists provide patient care
• Perform clinical procedures
• Gain insight into the profession
• Get career advice from the doctors

This experience is designed to help students determine whether optometry is the right career path and strengthen their understanding of the field before applying to professional school.

Eligibility: Open to rising college juniors and seniors. Applicants must agree to abide by shadowing policies, sign a Confidentiality Agreement, and respect patient privacy rules. If there are any concerns, they should contact the Clinic Coordinator for guidance.

---

To request more information or apply to any of the Pre-Optometry Programs, contact: