Optometry Faculty (OD) - Primary Care

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is searching for dedicated faculty to join the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO). Located in the heart of Appalachia, the University of Pikeville is committed to offering a broad liberal arts and health professions education. Partnering with the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) allows KYCO to provide our students a solid foundation in medical science.

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 the University of Pikeville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees.

A professional clinical educator is needed for: Primary Care Optometry

RESPONSIBILITIES: A successful candidate must be passionate and experienced in classroom and clinical instruction. This position will require participation in the KYCO clinics providing patient care with both student interns and optometric residents.

QUALIFICATIONS: This vacancy 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.

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.

Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received on or before 9/30/2026 will be given priority consideration.

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. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current resume, and contact information for three to five professional references.