Optometry Faculty - KYCO

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is searching for dedicated faculty for full-time, twelve-month faculty appointments to join the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO). Located in the heart of Appalachia, UPIKE is committed to offering innovative health professions education along with a broad liberal arts program. Opportunities are available for growth in the following areas, but are not limited to Primary Care, Ocular Disease with an emphasis in Posterior Segment, Cornea and Contact Lens, and Low Vision Rehabilitation. These opportunities include aspects of teaching which may be on-campus, hybrid, or remote.

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 knowledge and confidence they need to succeed at the highest level of professional optometric services. These unique career opportunities afford 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 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: Successful candidates should be passionate and experienced in classroom and/or clinical instruction. These positions may require participation in the KYCO clinics providing patient care with both student interns and optometric residents. Major responsibilities include providing excellence in patient care, teaching, and clinical research contributing to a diverse academic eye practice. 

QUALIFICATIONS: These vacancies will require a minimum Doctor of Optometry Degree (O.D.). Residency training in the appropriate areas of specialty or a minimum of three years of relevant clinical experience is preferred. Optometrist applicants must be eligible for licensure in the state of Kentucky with expanded therapeutics certification and are expected to participate in patient care services. Prior college teaching experience is strongly preferred. 

UPIKE 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: 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 resume or vitae and the contact information for three to five professional references. 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 letter of interest and application materials. 

UPIKE 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. 

UPIKE is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. UPIKE 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 https://www.upike.edu/.