About the College

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.

 

With an enrollment of over 400 students, 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. There are also unique 2-year accelerated programs leading to a doctor of optometry degree for people with advanced academic degrees. 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.

 

A small, private institution, The New England College of Optometry emulates larger universities in its ambitions and scope.  The College is committed to the advancement of vision care and boasts of an academic environment rich in intellectual exchange and opportunity.

 

What is an Optometrist?

As primary eye care providers, Doctors of Optometry examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eyes and associated structures and their related systemic conditions.

 

Optometrists examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. They also determine the patient's ability to properly focus and coordinate the eyes, to judge depth and to see colors accurately.

 

The New England College of Optometry is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) of the American Optometric Association (a member of the Council of Post-Secondary Accreditation) and the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc. (NEASC).