Kentucky College of Optometry

The Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) is the 22nd optometry school in the nation and the first in Kentucky. KYCO welcomed its inaugural class in 2016, pioneers in the birthplace of rural optometry, who will have an opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on the eyecare of our region. 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 to underserved areas. The new $75 million cutting-edge facility completed construction in the spring of 2017 and is equipped with the latest ophthalmic instruments under the expert guidance of faculty members skilled and licensed in these optometric treatments.

Optometry is the independent primary health care profession that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system. Doctors of Optometry (O.D.) are the primary-care doctors of the eye who perform comprehensive examinations on people of all ages to preserve ocular health by prescribing contact lenses, glasses, vision therapy, rehabilitative services for low vision patients, and treating diseases such as glaucoma, performing specific surgical procedures, and providing pre-and post-operative care for eye surgery patients. Additionally, the curriculum for the Doctor of Optometry consists of courses such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology that enable Optometrists to often detect critical health issues (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) and refer patients for immediate treatments.