The New England College of Optometry (NECO) is a professional graduate institution for students in the discipline of optometry. It provides a four-year professional curriculum taught by more than 40 full-time and 100 part-time and adjunct faculty.
The college offers both Doctor of Optometry and Master of Science in Vision Science degrees. There are also unique 2-year accelerated programs leading to a doctor of optometry degree for students with advanced academic degrees.
The college aims to give its students broad and sound training in the science of optometry and thorough training in the actual practice of optometry. Special emphasis is placed on direct contact with patients, and to this end, students make use of the college's affiliation with the New England Eye Institute network of eye care centers.
The student body is the most diverse of any college of optometry in the world. More than 25% of the students enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry program received their pre-optometry education outside the U.S., representing 14 different countries. Most recently, the college has been working with foreign educators to create customized, accredited programs for training optometrists and upgrading their credentials in countries as diverse as Italy, Spain, China, and South Africa.
The college is located right in the center of Boston, in the Back Bay area. Students will find an abundance of entertainment, shopping, and cultural attractions just a short walk from the school.