Learn more about UPIKE and why it is the right choice for you.
See if UPIKE is a good fit for you and take the next steps in becoming a student.
The vision for the College of Dental Medicine is to be known and respected for service, innovation, clinical excellence and interprofessional education.
We are practitioners of the healing arts defining the standard for excellence in optometric education and vision care.
Our D.O. medical school is nationally ranked and recognized for a reputation of excellence in rural medicine and family healthcare. UPIKE’s osteopathy program gives you a clear path to success in the medical field.
Explore our online undergraduate and graduate programs and learn more about earning your degree at UPIKE.
Kentucky College of Optometry 147 Sycamore Street Pikeville, Kentucky 41501 (606) 218-5251 kycoadmissions@upike.edu
We would like to welcome you to the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) and the University of Pikeville. Located in the heart of the Central Appalachian Mountains, KYCO is the only college of optometry in the state of Kentucky and the 22nd in the United States. The University of Pikeville provides academic and co-curricular opportunities that take full advantage of this unique location. KYCO earned “accredited” status by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education in April of 2020.
Since 2011, with the passage of the “Better Access to Quality Healthcare Act,” optometrists in the state of Kentucky can perform in-office laser eye procedures, inject medications, and remove “lumps and bumps” around the eyes. Kentucky was the second state in the nation to provide this scope of practice for Doctors of Optometry. At KYCO, we embrace this expanded scope of practice and ensure that these procedures are fully taught as part of our unique curriculum.
A new 103,000-sq. ft., state-of-the-art building provides effective learning and teaching space for all KYCO students. Students have access to the newest and most advanced equipment as part of the learning experience while providing better access to quality eye care for rural Kentucky residents. Clinical experiences in an array of satellite clinics, strategically placed in underserved rural areas, provide students with opportunities to truly be part of the health care team.
At KYCO, your success is our success. We are committed to supporting your academic, physical, financial and social needs through a comprehensive set of services that are in line with our mission and goals. Our faculty are dedicated to helping you obtain the skills and knowledge you need to begin a rewarding optometric career. We challenge our students to do their best so that they can practice at the highest levels of optometric care and be valued colleagues in the future.
We look forward to working with you as you pursue your Doctor of Optometry degree and become caring health care providers.
The Administrative TeamKentucky College of OptometryUniversity of Pikeville
#KYCOFirst