New England College of Optometry

Spring Break has arrived at NECO, and our Beacon Street campus is noticeably quieter than usual. While we’re enjoying the calm for a moment, we’re already looking forward to welcoming our students back next week as we begin the final sprint toward Commencement on May 17! 🎓

Congratulations to NECO second year student Grace Orallo, who has been named to Women In Optometry's 2026 Student Advisory Board. Each optometry school in North America is represented by one female OD student who will be entering the workforce in the next few years. #NECOProud

NECO's Beacon Street campus will remain CLOSED on Tuesday, February 24 to facilitate storm recovery efforts. All lectures will be held via Zoom.

WEATHER UPDATE: NECO's Beacon Street campus and its clinics on Commonwealth Avenue and in Roslindale will be closed on Monday, February 23 due to the expected snowstorm.

Did you know that NECO offers a constantly growing series of continuing education courses, both live and asynchronous for learning at your own pace? Check out the continuing education website at https://necoce.org.

NECO marks the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec 3 🌍

Learn more: 👉 https://social.desa.un.org/issues/disability/events/2025-international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-idpd

#DisabilityDay #IDPD #EveryoneIncluded #GlobalGoals #CRPD

Wishing everyone a warm and happy Thanksgiving from the New England College of Optometry 🦃🍁

We’re grateful for our students, alumni, faculty, clinicians, and community who make NECO stronger each year. Enjoy a day of rest, good food, and gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving!

#Gratitude #NECO #Optometry

Fall Activities for NECO Students NECO students in Boston’s Back Bay are well-positioned to explore the city and surrounding areas. This guide features fall activities for October and November, organized by full-day, half-day, and quick…

🎓 Midterms are over. you’ve earned a break! 👻🍁

Take the commuter rail to Salem for Halloween week fun and crisp fall air. 🚆🎃
More NECO-friendly fall ideas: https://www.neco.edu/fall-activities-for-neco-students/

#NECOCommunity #FallInBoston

🎓 Future optometrists: did you know some employers will help pay your student loans? Sponsored Pathways can reduce your debt by up to $200K when you agree to work for 3–5 years after graduation.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3LaJZaJ

#OptometrySchool #StudentLoans #NECO #FutureOptometrists

Fall Activities for NECO Students NECO students in Boston’s Back Bay are well-positioned to explore the city and surrounding areas. This guide features fall activities for October and November, organized by full-day, half-day, and quick…

The last midterm is coming up on Oct. 26, and we know it can be a stressful stretch! 📚

As October winds down, remember to take time to recharge and enjoy the season. 🍂

Explore and discover the Boston area:
👉 https://www.neco.edu/fall-activities-for-neco-students/

#NECO #Optometry #Boston

Home - NECO Industry Collaborative Be part of the conversation shaping optometry’s future: whether you’re an educator, student, practitioner, or industry partner. Your insight will help define the skills, tools, and compassion needed for tomorrow’s eye care.

👓 The future of optometry starts here.

Join Dr. Howard Purcell + leaders from across the field at NECO’s 5th Annual Industry Collaborative — Nov 3–4, 2025 (Boston + virtual).

Register ➡️ necoindustrycollaborative.org
Watch 🎥 Dr. Purcell’s full invitation here: vimeo.com/1127929195

Boston was buzzing! ❤️👁️

543 alumni and guests joined us for the NECO Alumni Reception—wow (and yes, we counted)! So many came back the next day for Reunion Weekend, too.

An unforgettable week of connection and NECO pride!

Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qvSWMf
Photos 📸 https://bit.ly/3Lf0ORK

Human + AI Collaboration in Optometry: Redefining the Clinician’s Role - aiineyecare.com Dr. Howard Purcell and Dr. Randall Case discuss how the clinician's role will change with human and AI collaborations.

Dr. Howard Purcell, NECO's President & CEO, and Randall Case, PhD, Director of Education Technology & Online Learning, have published a provacative article online entitled, "Human & AI Collaboration in Optometry: Redefining the Clinician’s Role." Read it here: aiineyecare.com/the-clinicia...

NECO Clinical Training Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony YouTube video by New England College of Optometry

youtu.be/dDmZixaiv2Y?...

📣Calling All Alumni
Join us at Optometry's Meeting June 26, 5:00-7:00 PM during our Alumni Reception

We’re thrilled to invite alumni to reconnect with classmates, revisit with members of your alma mater, & learn about the exciting direction NECO is heading. ⏭️RSVP today! neco.edu/alumni/events

🚀 Big news from NECO! We're proud to announce the launch of "The Future InSight" — NECO's 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. This bold roadmap outlines our vision for the future of optometric education, clinical care, research, and community impact. necostrategicplan.org 👁️💡

Eye care is critical but often overlooked. Thank you to the everyone from @necoboston.bsky.social who came to the State House for Optometry Day to raise awareness and discuss how we can improve access to care.

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Dr. Maureen Hanley's passing. She passed peacefully on Saturday surrounded by family. If you knew Dr. Hanley, you knew how dedicated she was to educating future optometrists. Please join us in keeping her family in our thoughts at this time.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration? Two Primary Types of AMD 1. Dry AMD (More Common) The more common type of AMD, results when the retina cannot properly process waste like dust. This causes the…

Ever wonder what the world looks like for someone with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? Here is what it may look like if you're trying to focus on the class of 2025. Notice how the central blind spot makes it difficult to recognize faces. Check out the full article: ow.ly/y8Z350UZL54

NECO alumni &residents teamed up w/ Partners for Visual Health in El Salvador. They treated 1562 patients in less than a week! L-R Jiani Lin (NECO resident at MEEI), Connie Lam’24, Reyna Hernandez, Anastasia D’Amico’24, Amy Sickinger‘21, Jeanne Hopkins‘91, Diane Ah-Kine‘08 #necoproud #necoalumni

Understanding Social Determinants of Health Can Lead to Culturally Safe Care | Women In Optometry What are the social determinants of health—and how do they impact how people access eye care? Listen as Dr. Amy Moy reviews.

Check out Amy Moy's recent podcast episode for Women In Optometry! She does a deep dive into the social and medical determinants to accessing eye care www.womeninoptometry.com/wo-voices-po...

Dr. Srinivas Natrajan Endowed Scholarship Launched New England College of Optometry is pleased to announce that an endowed scholarship has been established to honor Dr. Srinivas (Raj) Natrajan, a NECO faculty member from 1969–1999 who died…

We're honored to announce an endowed scholarship in memory of Dr. Natrajan, devoted faculty member 1969-1999. Established by his niece Dr. Padmini Nathan '82, this scholarship supports OD2 students excelling in pharmacology. Read more & consider making a donation today www.neco.edu/dr-srinivas-...

Higher Rates of Visual Impairment Among LGBTQ+ Older Adults Reveal the Need for Inclusive, Accessible Eye Care | EDGE United States Higher Rates of Visual Impairment Among LGBTQ+ Older Adults Reveal the Need for Inclusive, Accessible Eye Care

A recent AARP report shows aging LGBTQ+ adults face more health disparities, including vison impairments. This is why NECO believes it's crucial to increase access to eye care! Thanks to Edge Media for mentioning PRIDE ODs & their work to support vision equity www.edgemedianetwork.com/story/337276

Honoring Dr. Lea Hyvärinen New England College of Optometry (NECO) invites you to join us for A Pediatric Symposium in honor of Lea Hyvärinen, MD, PhD, FAAP on the occasion of her 85th birthday…

Pediatric Symposium Celebrating Dr. Lea Hyvärinen
Jan 22
7:30–8:30PM
Join NECO in celebrating the groundbreaking work of Dr. Lea Hyvärinen! Her research in vision loss and theories on early vision intervention led to the creation of the LEA SYMBOLS! www.neco.edu/news/pediatr...

NECO's 2024 in Review This is "NECO's 2024 in Review" by New England College of Optometry on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

NECO's year in review! What was your favorite NECO memory from 2024?

vimeo.com/1042012169?s...

Wishing all NECO students a wonderful winter break!

We agree!

Can Elton John lead a full life as an artist with vision loss? Northeastern expert says sudden vision loss is devastating for composers and other adults. But there are ways to cope, even thrive.

Dr. Nicole Ross was recently interviewed by @northeasternu.bsky.social providing expert opinion on Elton John's announcement of his vision loss news.northeastern.edu/2024/12/09/e...

Contact Lens Institute Names 2024 Culture Award Honorees WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) announced its 2024 Culture Award honorees, which includes practitioners who demonstrate the principles upheld by CLI and are reflected in the associat...

Congratulations are in order for two NECO grads and faculty! We are #NECOProud of Jennifer Liao and Jennifer Stewart for being named Contact Lens Institute's 2024 Culture Awardees! Join us in congratulating these two important NECO Community Members. 👏 👏 www.visionmonday.com/business/ass...

Matching glasses! Who knew Dr. Green and Professor & Optician Laboy would pick out the same frames? Try new frames with out virtual try-out option: www.framesdata.com/mfg/NECO-Cen... #optometryschooluniform #necooptics #neco