A Shared Vision: Transforming Healthcare, One Story at a Time
Shannon Cummings doesn’t remember a time when her father was healthy. From the moment she could read, she was by his side — helping manage his medications, keeping track of appointments and eventually driving him to dialysis treatments.
UNCP Hosts NC Optometric Society District Meeting as Optometry Program Advances
UNC Pembroke recently welcomed North Carolina Optometric Society (NCOS) members for a district meeting highlighting the university’s progress toward launching the state’s first public Doctor of Optometry program.
Dr. Elizabeth Wyles named Associate Dean of the College of Optometric Medicine
As UNC Pembroke prepares to launch its new Doctor of Optometry program, the university has named Dr. Elizabeth Wyles as associate dean of the College of Optometric Medicine. A nationally respected educator, clinician and leader in optometric education, Dr. Wyles brings over two decades of experience shaping the future of eye care.
Dean of Optometric Medicine Honored with National Award
Dr. Rich Castillo, founding dean of the College of Optometric Medicine at UNC Pembroke, has been honored with the Heart of America Eye Care Congress’ (HOAECC) 2025 Vision Service Award for his outstanding dedication and service to the field of optometry.
Dr. Rich Castillo named founding dean of the UNCP School of Optometry
During a special called meeting on July 9, the Board of Trustees named Dr. Rich Castillo the founding dean of the School of Optometry at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
UNCP to establish a Doctor of Optometry program
The University of North Carolina Pembroke will soon be home to the state’s only public doctoral program in optometry — chartering a new path for comprehensive primary care for eye and visual health in North Carolina and surrounding states.
UNCP’s Hannah Evington eyes career in optometry
Hannah Evington has been interested in science since childhood, but a trip to the eye doctor when she was 10 indeed opened her eyes to the world of optometry — solidifying her future career path.
UNC Pembroke exploring optometry program
UNC Pembroke was recently granted permission by the University of North Carolina System to move forward with a proposal to establish the state’s first school of optometry. If approved by the UNC System Board of Governors, the school would be the anchor program of UNCP’s health sciences building which the state has already earmarked $91 million for construction. The UNCP Board of Trustees endorsed the plan during its meeting last week.