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New England College of Optometry

Boston, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1894
Founded
Private optometry college
Type
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification
President: Howard Purcell

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About New England College of Optometry

Since 1894, NECO has led optometry education with unparalleled direct patient care.

The New England College of Optometry (NECO) stands as a beacon in optometric education, boasting a rich history stretching back to its founding in 1894. Originally established as the Klein School of Optics by ophthalmologist August Andreas Klein, NECO has evolved through various iterations, including the Massachusetts School of Optometry and the Massachusetts College of Optometry, before settling into its vibrant current location in Boston's historic Back Bay. This storied past underscores its enduring commitment to advancing the field of vision care.

Today, NECO is renowned for its comprehensive academic offerings, providing both the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) and Master of Science in Vision Science degrees. A hallmark of its educational philosophy is the profound emphasis on direct patient contact, ensuring students gain invaluable hands-on experience from early in their studies. This dedication to practical learning prepares graduates to excel as compassionate and skilled eye care professionals.

Prospective students and their families will find NECO's student experience uniquely immersive. The college operates its own state-of-the-art clinics, the NECO Center for Eye Care Commonwealth and Roslindale, which serve as primary learning environments. Beyond these, students benefit from an extensive NECO Clinical Network of eye care centers, providing diverse patient populations and clinical settings. This extensive network of patient care opportunities fosters a dynamic and practical learning environment, making NECO a distinguished choice for those aspiring to a career in optometry.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Pioneering optometry education since 1894, originally as the Klein School of Optics.
  • ✦Offers both Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) and Master of Science in Vision Science degrees.
  • ✦Strong emphasis on direct patient contact throughout the curriculum.
  • ✦Operates its own clinics: NECO Center for Eye Care Commonwealth and Roslindale.
  • ✦Students gain experience through an extensive NECO Clinical Network.
  • ✦Located in Boston's historic Back Bay section.

Timeline

1894
Established as the Klein School of Optics by ophthalmologist August Andreas Klein
🏛️
132 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Howard Purcell
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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