KYCO Program Goals and Objectives

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.