Getting Started with KCEOC

Tanner’s journey with KCEOC began more than ten years ago through the Promise Neighborhood In-School Youth Program and later through the WIOA Out-of-School Youth Work Experience Program. These opportunities, offered through the KCEOC KY Career Center, provided young people with the chance to explore careers and gain work experience.

Exploring Career Paths

At 18, Tanner was placed at PT Pros, a local physical therapy clinic.
“With KCEOC’s help,” he said, “I was able to gain experience at a young age in a field that I would not have had the opportunity to gain experience in otherwise.”

Though Tanner initially considered physical therapy, he soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. KCEOC helped him transition to shadowing an optometrist at Mackey’s Vision Center in Corbin, KY. That experience set him on a new path toward a future in optometry.

Giving Back Through Summer Service

While home from college, Tanner returned to KCEOC to work with the Summer Food Service Program, which provides meals to children while school is out.

“I grew up here, but I didn’t realize the depth of need until I delivered those meals,” Tanner said. “It opened my eyes and changed my perspective.”

The experience deepened his appreciation for KCEOC and strengthened his desire to serve his home community.

Achieving a Dream

Tanner was later accepted into his first-choice optometry school—University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO)—the only program of its kind in the state.

Though the road wasn’t always easy, he stayed true to his goals and his hometown roots.

“People in rural Kentucky are just as important as people anywhere else,” Tanner said. “Just because we might have to work harder, we can still accomplish great things!”

Coming Home to Serve

In 2025, Dr. Tanner Wells opened his optometry practice at Access Health in Barbourville, KY. His goal is to provide high-quality care without requiring patients to travel far from home.

“I plan to stay here, raise my family here, and bring the best care right to our community—so no one has to travel far to access healthcare,” he said.

Full Circle

Looking back on his journey, Tanner is proud of his accomplishments and thankful for the support along the way.

“If you need a hand up—food, shelter, or a career path—KCEOC is here to help,” he said. “They don’t judge; they just want to see you succeed.”