KYCO Program Goals and Objectives | UPIKE | University of Pikeville

Kentucky College of Optometry’s Mission

The Kentucky College of Optometry’s mission is to develop leaders in therapeutic optometry through innovative education and a commitment to caring for the underserved.

Goals & Objectives:

LEADERS IN THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRY

Develop leaders in therapeutic optometry through an integrated curriculum that includes diverse clinical experiences and opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth.

Objectives:

Develop ophthalmic surgical and laser skills.
Promote, facilitate, and reward faculty professional development and scholarly activity.
Provide faculty with direct research support such as time, space, equipment, and funding.
Promote collaborative and mentoring relationships for research and scholarly activity with other entities of higher learning, including the main University of Pikeville campus and the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Pursue research which addresses the healthcare needs of Appalachia.
Develop, support, and promote student research and scholarship.
Encourage student leadership development through organized optometry and student organizations and faculty mentorship.

INNOVATIVE EDUCATION

Implement innovative educational programs that use state-of-the-art technology and prepare graduates for the ever-expanding practice of optometry.

Objectives:

Recruit and retain exceptional faculty.
Promote faculty mentoring for every student.
Integrate advanced technologies into the educational process.
Continue to incorporate virtual learning technologies into the educational strategies.
Support the development of critical thinking skills.
Foster a culture of lifelong learning and educational curiosity.
Encourage faculty to maintain quality lecture and laboratory materials that evolve with the ever-changing profession.
Develop cultural competency through education and community experiences.
Maintain academic support and intervention services for every student.

PATIENT CARE

Provide accessible, patient-centered, high quality, therapeutic eye care within integrated clinical systems.

Objectives:

Emphasize the application of evidence-based clinical standards of care.
Provide a safe, secure, and confidential clinical environment.
Document the Kentucky College of Optometry’s impact on the vision care of the region.
Provide a wide range of patient experiences within integrated clinical systems.
Develop and enhance clinical proficiency.
Provide quality care, regardless of ability to pay.
Maintain community-based eye care services.

SERVICE

Promote service to the profession, to the community, and to the underserved in Appalachia and beyond.

Objectives:

Immerse faculty and optometry students in the delivery of care in rural clinical settings.
Foster an understanding and appreciation of diversity and cultural sensitivity.
Plan and implement an infrastructure for disaster relief initiatives.
Serve as a knowledgeable vision care resource to the broader community.
Emphasize the active participation in service, non-profit, faith-based, and professional organizations.
Promote student and faculty leadership in service and mission activities.
Deliver patient care consistent with the University of Pikeville’s faith-based tradition.
Encourage graduates to pursue opportunities in medically underserved areas.

The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) has granted The University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) the accreditation status of “Accredited.” Accredited is a classification granted to an educational program indicating that the program generally meets the Standards for accreditation.

For more information, see the ACOE’s website at www.theACOE.org or contact the ACOE at accredit@theacoe.org.

To review accreditation, approval, or licensing documentation, please contact the Dean’s Office at 606-218-5510

Page Updated: May 20^th, 2026

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