Professor of Optometry - Contact Lenses/Anterior Segment Disease

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE), Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), is currently seeking applicants for a full-time faculty member in the area of Contact Lenses/Anterior Segment Disease. Candidates must be passionate and experienced in classroom and clinical instruction and ready to join a dynamic progressive academic community. Through education, training, and mentoring, faculty members will provide students with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed at the highest level of professional optometric services. This unique career opportunity affords an individual the opportunity to work and teach in a state-of-the-art eye care facility as well as in fully equipped rural health clinics, while at the same time enjoying the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of the Appalachian Mountain region.

KYCO’s mission is to develop leaders in therapeutic optometry through innovative education and a commitment to caring for the underserved. Faculty members will provide students with the foundational knowledge they need to succeed at the highest level of professional optometric services. This unique career opportunity affords an individual the opportunity to work and teach in a state-of-the-art health professions educational program while at the same time enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the Appalachian Mountain region. KYCO is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) and UPIKE is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.  

UPIKE’s health professions programs work to provide an exceptional opportunity for KYCO students to participate in interdisciplinary educational opportunities. KYCO’s partnerships with UPIKE’s College of Nursing and Human Services (CNHS) and Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) allows students a solid foundation in medical science by allowing them to collaborate with nursing, social work, and medical students. 

Responsibilities: 

1. Be highly knowledgeable in the field of Anterior Segment Disease and Contact Lenses.
2. Develop and teach courses and/or laboratories in the area of anterior segment disease and contact lenses.
3. Provide direct patient care and clinical instruction to professional students and interdisciplinary practice with other educational professionals.
4. Candidates must be willing to actively participate in curricular assessment, professional development, student counseling and service activities within the college, university and the scientific community.
5. Successful candidates are also expected to be involved in traditional research and scholarly activities, and have a sincere commitment to optometric education, community service and patient care.

Primary duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Developing and delivering lectures and/or laboratories for anterior segment disease and contact lenses and related areas, as assigned; embracing and enhancing the didactic philosophies in the O.D. program; maintaining and expanding the high-quality clinical practice environment for optometry students on rotation; precepting students on clinical rotation at The Kentucky College of Optometry clinics.
2. Helping to maintain and grow the state-of-the-art optometry program with a strong interdisciplinary focus that meets the needs of patients in the surrounding community; working closely together with all faculty to provide a complete range of eye and vision care services; participating in leadership roles in state, regional, and national optometry organizations; participating on College and University committees, as assigned; participating in College and University service activities.
3. Engaging in research and scholarly activity, including presentations at scientific meetings, research, and publication in peer-reviewed journals sufficient to qualify for academic advancement.

Requirements:

• Minimum Doctor of Optometry Degree (O.D.).
• Residency training in the appropriate area of Cornea and Contact Lenses OR a minimum three years relevant clinical experience is preferred.
• Optometrist applicants should be eligible for licensure in the state of Kentucky and are expected to participate in patient care services.
• Applicants must have excellent organizational, communication, teaching and decision-making skills.
• Prior college teaching experience is strongly preferred. 

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts.  UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff.  The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students. 

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. Interested applicants should complete the online application by visiting http://jobs.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, copies of their transcripts, and the contact information for three to five professional references.