Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) is the only college of optometry in Kentucky.

Become part of a community of medical professionals providing vision care to those who need it most, and learn in an environment built with the future of optometry in mind. At KYCO, faculty, staff and administration embrace the expanded scope of optometric practice in Kentucky with unique clinical experiences and a challenging curriculum. KYCO students are afforded an abundance of rewarding clinical opportunities serving patients in need.

National statistics demonstrate the need for quality, affordable vision care in rural areas. Central Appalachia is a region that has the highest incidences of severe vision loss from other factors such as diabetes and hypertension. Our objective is to provide access and education to the people of the mountains and to address a critical health care need in our region and throughout the nation. As a student, you will be at the center of the effort to reduce vision loss in this part of the nation. 

Our four-year program will leverage the expanded scope of practice permitted by Kentucky law governing the practice of optometry. This law provides for selective laser and peri-ocular surgical procedures, allowing KYCO to bring modes of treatment not previously obtainable on a significant basis in underserved areas. Our new, $72 million cutting-edge vision care facility is currently being constructed and will be equipped with ophthalmic instruments under the expert guidance of faculty members skilled and licensed in these optometric treatments.

In addition to the new facilities, KYCO is proud to offer what we call the KYCO advantage. This program has developed around the university’s mission of access and educational opportunity, providing all first-year students with the same resources – at no additional cost – including all optometric equipment, an iPad, a laptop, books, clinical clothing, and national board review classes.

Why should you consider applying to the Kentucky College of Optometry?

• In 2011, the governor of Kentucky signed Senate Bill 110 (Better Access to Quality Healthcare Act) into law, making Kentucky only one of three states in the nation to allow optometrists to perform in-office laser eye procedures, inject medications into eyes and remove “lumps and bumps” around the eyes.  All of these procedures will be part of the curriculum and clinical practice at the Kentucky College of Optometry.

• The KYCO Advantage: The University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Optometry Student Advantage program designates that all of our students enter on a level playing field, where those who are admitted with few financial resources have the same educational opportunities as those with greater resources. 

• A new 103,000-square-foot building will be a state-of-the-art learning and teaching space for the Kentucky College of Optometry.

• As a student, you will have access to the newest and most advanced equipment as part of your learning.

• Examine a patient population with a diversity of health conditions that will increase your clinical experience.

• Be part of providing better access to quality eye care for rural Kentucky residents.

• Participate in unique clinical experiences in our system of satellite clinics, strategically placed in rural areas in need, and in the hospital clinic, where you will work with other medical professionals collaboratively.