Newsroom > People & Purpose > Scholarships > University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry Student Receives 2022 VSP Vision of Hope Scholarship
VSP Vision Professional Network Relationship Manager Stephanie Ganiban presented the VSP Vision of Hope Scholarship to KYCO student Alyssa Muha, pictured here with KYCO Dean Dr. Michael Bacigalupi.
PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) congratulates Alyssa Muha, recipient of the 2022 VSP Vision of Hope Scholarship. The scholarship is funded by VSP Vision™ and awarded annually to an excelling, first-year KYCO student who intends to practice in the rural Appalachian region. Muha, a native of Hazard, Ky., received $5,000 toward her education.
“This scholarship means so much to me and my career in optometry,” said Muha. “Both my parents work in the medical field in Hazard, so I have seen first-hand how underserved the area is. After graduation, I plan on going back there to serve my community.”
In total, VSP has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships to optometry students as part of a more than 65-year commitment of empowering human potential through sight. Muha was recognized among her peers by KYCO Dean Michael Bacigalupi, O.D., M.S., FAAO, and a representative from VSP during orientation week.
“KYCO would like to thank VSP for their continued support of our students that plan to serve the eye care needs of patients in Appalachia,” said Bacigalupi. “Their commitment to providing eye care to the underserved aligns perfectly with KYCO’s mission.”
In addition to its yearly scholarship, VSP has been an avid supporter of KYCO since its inception. The organization generously sponsors college-wide events and student organizations.
“The Vision of Hope Scholarship is another example of how VSP Vision continues to support the next generation of optometrists, particularly those who hope to serve patient populations that experience barriers to care,” said VSP Vision Vice President of Provider Relations, Jim Caster. “On behalf of VSP, I would like to congratulate Ms. Muha on this well-deserved award.”
For more information about KYCO, visit upike.edu/optometry or call 606-218-5251.
About VSP Vision At VSP Vision™, our purpose is to empower human potential through sight. As the first and only national not-for-profit vision benefits company, this is what drives everything we do. For nearly 70 years, VSP has been the leader in health-focused vision care. Every day, the people that power our complementary businesses (VSP® Vision Care, Marchon Eyewear, Inc., Visionworks®, Eyefinity®, Eyeconic®, VSP Optics, and VSP Ventures) work together to create a world where everyone can bring their best vision to life. That means providing affordable access to eye care and eyewear for more than 85 million members through a network of more than 41,000 doctors. And, it means expanding access to vision care to those disadvantaged by income, distance, or disaster. Through VSP Eyes of Hope®, more than 3.6 million people in need have received no-cost eye care and eyewear. Learn more about how we’re reinvesting in greater vision, health, and opportunities for all at vspvision.com.