Kentucky College of Optometry welcomes inaugural class
0Written by Staff Report
After more than three years of planning, the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) welcomed its inaugural class of 65 students. “The KYCO Office of Student Affairs received an impressive number of applications from qualified candidates across the country. ,” said Roya Attar, O.D., assistant clinical professor and director of professional relations. “The inaugural class represents a unique and diverse cross section of educational and life experiences and were selected not only based on their academic merits, but equally for their character and core values.” The optometry program will be housed in the new, approximately $65 million, Health Professions Education Building. During their orientation week, students met with all of their faculty members and advisors; became familiar with the facilities on the university campus; were welcomed by KYCO Founding Dean Andrew Buzzelli, O.D., M.S.; University President Burton Webb, Ph.D.; Provost Lori Werth, Ph.D., and University Chancellor Governor Paul Patton, as well as hearing from several other guest speakers. Classes began in August with the first students set to earn their Doctorate of Optometry (O.D.) degrees in the spring 2020.