Eliminating Obstacles in Optometry

By Stacey Walters

The Kentucky College of Optometry has taken the lead nationally in removing financial barriers and increasing diversity in the optometry profession by providing grants for potential students to cover the cost of taking the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT).

Second-year KYCO student from Ghana, West Africa, Joel Baidoo, was awarded the OAT grant, which opened the door for him to attend optometry school. Even though Baidoo spent most of his life in Arlington, Texas, he was grateful for the opportunity to explore the rural community of Eastern Kentucky.

“I realized that KYCO would be a great potential match for me. As an extrovert, a major concern of mine was going to school in a popular city with many attractions,” said Baidoo. “When KYCO popped up on my radar, I knew I could see myself in a small town and that it would give me a chance to experience a different style of living.”

KYCO has successfully managed to support 65 students in taking the OAT since establishing the grant and believes it is essential to give back to the profession. While attendance at KYCO is not obligatory for the recipients of the OAT grant, it plays a role in promoting inclusivity and representation within the profession as a whole.

“A big source of stress when applying to optometry school is all the finances that go into it,” said Baidoo. “The OAT grant helped remove some of that stress for me, and it paid for my entrance exam to pursue my dream of attending optometry school.”

After diligent preparation and dedication, Baidoo achieved American citizenship recently, marking a significant milestone in his life’s journey. Attaining this status represents a tremendous honor and a testament to his steadfast commitment and perseverance.

“It was such a beautiful experience. My closest friend from school, Jake Brown, organized raising the money for my citizenship test and my entire class chipped in. They surprised me with it during a Christmas party last year,” said Baidoo. “That is when I knew optometry school brought me a second family and I will be forever grateful.”