Faculty & Staff News
National eyes on the Kentucky College of Optometry In addition to being named Founding Dean of KYCO, Michael Bacigalupi, O.D., M.S., FAAO, FNAP, has also been elected to serve in an officer’s position as secretary of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), putting him on the executive committee. Since the first students began classes in 2016, KYCO remains the only optometry school in Kentucky, with Bacigalupi proudly serving as dean since 2018. As ASCO secretary, Bacigalupi will serve as chair of the communications committee and act as the liaison to the applicant pool advisory committee and the fundraising advisory committee.
“As an organization, ASCO is committed to advancing optometric education and research,” said UPIKE Provost Lori Werth, Ph.D. “Dr. Bacigalupi has a passion for the profession that has not only benefited our region but extended to a national level.”
ASCO’s activities cover a wide range of programs, including applicant development and diversity, faculty and leadership development, advocacy, residency promotion and communications. In August 2020, KYCO began to take the lead nationally to remove financial barriers and increase diversity in the optometry profession by providing grants for potential students to cover the cost of taking the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT). 8
UPIKE MAGAZINE | FALL/WINTER 2021
Since then, KYCO has covered the cost of the OAT for 43 potential optometry students, many of whom attended optometry schools across the country this fall. The total amount awarded to each student is $625, which includes the cost of the exam along with current study materials they may need to pass. The majority of the funds come from anonymous, local donors. Bacigalupi says anyone in the United States who plans to attend optometry school is eligible for the assistance.
“It is important for KYCO to give back to the profession of optometry and take part in the overall process of improving and growing this specialty,” said Bacigalupi. “The goals are to help people, do the right thing and take steps to increase diversity in the profession.” The success of the grant program caught the attention of the American Optometric Association (AOA) during a campus visit from the AOA president. Since then, the KYCO model has been adopted by the AOA and is being showcased on a national platform.
Bacigalupi is delighted that the AOA chose to implement a comparable program. “This is a wonderful program and I am thrilled it has been adopted by the AOA,” said Bacigalupi. “This will help increase the reach and support of underrepresented minority students interested in optometry.”
