UPIKE Newsroom

The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) celebrated the official reopening of the Martin Eye Clinic on Monday, Sept. 8, marking a major step forward in restoring vital health care services to Eastern Kentucky following the severe flooding earlier this year.

The event, held at the clinic’s location at 41 Triangle St. in Martin, drew community members, local leaders and health care providers to recognize the region’s resilience and the renewed commitment to accessible vision care.

The Martin Eye Clinic, which was temporarily closed due to flood damage in February, has served as a critical resource for patients in Floyd County and surrounding communities. The reopening ensures that comprehensive eye care services will once again be available to those who need them most.

“Losing the Martin Clinic didn’t just impact the community, it disrupted education,” said Dean of KYCO, Renee Reeder, O.D., FAAO, FBCLA, FSLS, FIACLE. “Our students lost a site where they trained to become doctors. The faculty lost a space where they mentored. And our patients lost trusted providers right in their own backyard. So today is not just a reopening. It’s a recommitment  to care, to education and to showing up, again and again. The Martin Clinic stands stronger today; rebuilt not just with tools, but with trust.”

The event included remarks from university and community leaders, a reception and tours of the renovated facility led by KYCO students and faculty.

For more information about the Martin Eye Clinic or the Kentucky College of Optometry, please upike.edu.