New England College of Optometry

New England College of Optometry was founded in 1894 as the Klein School of Optics, and is the oldest continuously operating school of Optometry in the United States. During the past century, as optometry evolved as an independent health care profession, it expanded its curriculum and clinical programs to reflect the changing demands of the public. 

New England College of Optometry will continue to be a leading college of optometry in the rapidly evolving world of professional education and healthcare by:

• integrating innovative education with early and diverse clinical experiences to prepare students to become outstanding Doctors of Optometry
• advancing the frontiers of optometric knowledge through research, and translating that knowledge to improve patients’ lives worldwide
• cultivating compassionate care of the highest level of proficiency, integrity, and professionalism; influencing public policy; expanding access to comprehensive and specialty optometric services; and instilling sensitivity to the health and social welfare of diverse communities 

The research NECO conduct has a direct impact on patient outcomes, changing the way clinicians examine their patients and the recommended treatment options. NECO are advancing the frontiers of optometric knowledge through research, and translating that knowledge to improve patients’ lives worldwide. The faculty researchers today promote fundamental and innovative discoveries, and their application, by investigating a wide range of ocular conditions, diseases, and treatments that help further the collective understanding of the eye. 

New England College of Optometry is committed to supporting our current and former students by providing a variety of career resources, events, and services during their time at the College, as well as serving as a resource to our alumni. The Offices of Student Services and Alumni Relations maintain a series of workshops and networking events that connect current students with practicing alumni.