New England College of Optometry
Boston, MA424 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02115
617-266-2030
New England College of Optometry (NECO) is an independent, non-profit institution located in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in the education of optometrists and other eye care professionals. Founded in 1894 as the Boston Dispensary for the Relief of the Poor, NECO is the oldest continually operating optometric institution in the world. It is also the largest optometric college in the United States, with an enrollment of over 1,000 students.
NECO offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) program, as well as Master's degree programs in Vision Science and in Clinical Optometry, and a PhD program in Vision Science. The college also offers a number of post-graduate residency and fellowship programs.
NECO's main campus is located in the Longwood Medical and Academic Area of Boston, near the hospitals and research institutions of Harvard Medical School. The college also has a satellite campus in the city of Worcester, about 40 miles west of Boston.
NECO is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), and its programs are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Optometry. The college is a member of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and the Optometric Admission Test (OAT) is required for admission to the OD program.
NECO's Doctor of Optometry program is a four-year, full-time program that includes didactic coursework, laboratory work, and clinical rotations. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the practice of optometry, with an emphasis on primary eye care.
After completing the four-year program, graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams, which are required for licensure in most states. Upon passing the exams, graduates are awarded the Doctor of Optometry degree and are eligible to apply for a license to practice optometry.
NECO also offers a three-year, full-time Master of Science in Vision Science program, as well as a two-year, full-time Master of Science in Clinical Optometry program. These programs are designed for students who wish to pursue careers in research or teaching, or who wish to specialize in a particular area of optometry.
The PhD in Vision Science program at NECO is a four-year program that includes coursework, research, and a dissertation. The program is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in academic research or teaching.
NECO offers a number of post-graduate residency and fellowship programs for optometrists who wish to specialize in a particular area of practice. These programs are typically one to two years in duration and include both didactic and clinical training.
NECO is committed to providing a quality education to its students and preparing them for successful careers in optometry and related fields. The college offers a supportive environment and a variety of resources to help students succeed. NECO is accredited by the ACOE and its programs are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Optometry.
Quick Facts
Enrollment: 528
Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Main Website: https://www.neco.edu/
Financial Aid: https://www.neco.edu/admissions/financial-aid