UPIKE Newsroom

The Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) recently held a summer camp which gave pre-health and pre-optometry majors an introduction to the profession of optometry by providing an interactive on-campus experience. 

The camp also gave students a glimpse into KYCO’s faculty, facilities and technology. Over the course of three days students were able to learn how to apply to optometry school, the skills needed to succeed in an acceptance interview and goal setting. They participated in virtual anatomy demonstrations as well as several other labs in KYCO’s state-of-the-art Health Professions Education Building. 

Participants heard from Josephine Owoeye, O.D., MPH, FAAO, assistant dean for student and professional development at KYCO. Owoeye discussed the advantages students receive while attending KYCO including the advanced technology housed conveniently on campus.

“We have all the technology you would use to treat a patient right here on campus for you to learn,” said Owoeye. 

In addition to learning about the benefits of attending KYCO, participants also left with a better understanding of the many advantages of a career in optometry. Speaking from personal experience, Michael Bacigalupi, O.D., M.S., FAAO, dean of KYCO, gave students insight into how he chose his own path in the field. 

“At an early age I said I was going to be an optometrist,” said Bacigalupi. “I wanted to help people and I knew it was a career where I could have a work-life balance.” Bacigalupi also reiterated that physicians who practice rural medicine can make a significant impact in Appalachia.  

To learn more about KYCO, visit www.upike.edu/optometry.