New England College of Optometry

Specialties

The New England College of Optometry has been the educational and intellectual center of optometry in New England since 1894. The College serves as a leader in optometric instruction and research and continues to spread its influence throughout the world.

Located in the Back Bay area of Boston, the New England College of Optometry is a professional graduate institution educating students in the discipline of optometry. NECO provides a four-​year post-​baccalaureate professional curriculum taught by more than 40 full-​time and 100 part-​time and adjunct faculty. The College aims to give its students a broad and sound training in the science of optometry; a thorough training in the practice of optometry; to uplift the science of optometry to the highest standard; and to make useful, practical and successful optometrists.

History

Established in 1894.

Founded as the Klein School of Optics in 1894, NECO is one of the oldest continuously operating schools 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. The name changed in 1901 to the Massachusetts School of Optometry, in 1950 to the Massachusetts College of Optometry, and in 1976 to the New England College of Optometry. Approximately 70% of the region’s optometrists have been educated here. Today the College, through its Center for the International Advancement of Optometry, has also instituted a large international optometric program by developing extension programs with China, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.