From NECO to Success

Dr. Yath entered NECO with a clear mission: to combine her love for vision care with her desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. While her career journey was just beginning, her many achievements led to significant professional growth. 

During her time at NECO, she embraced every opportunity, excelling in rigorous coursework while forming strong bonds with her peers and mentors. “NECO wasn’t just an institution for academic growth, it was a place for lifelong friendships to form in the throws of rigorous study and built on mutual support,” she recalls.  

Her curiosity and drive led her to explore advanced clinical training opportunities including specialty contact lenses. Participating in externships at community health centers and VA hospitals, she discovered her passion for providing care to underserved populations—a passion that would shape her career.  

Learning from the Best

Through the support systems made of faculty and peers, Dr. Yath easily handled managing stress and optimized mental wellness. Over the years, NECO has continued to prioritize student career goals and help them navigate stress around career goals. With NECO Career Services, student support at NECO has flourished. Support systems at NECO span both academic and professional management. 

A Career Defined by Service and Innovation

After graduating, Dr. Yath started her career in corporate optometry, which helped build her confidence. Over the years she moved to different practices and focused more on specialized areas like scleral lenses, orthokeratology, and disease management. However, Dr. Yath realized the pressing need for accessible and affordable eye care in marginalized populations was really where she wanted to practice. 

Determined to address this gap, Dr. Yath bought a practice in rural Arizona. This practice was a chance to recommit to serving her community and provide care to those most in need, especially elderly individuals living in rural nursing homes across Arizona. Dr. Yath credits her clinical experience and the personal friendships she made at NECO to her successful career.  

Bringing NECO Values to a Global Stage

Dr. Yath credits NECO for instilling in her the values of compassion, innovation, and lifelong learning. “My experiences at NECO have imbued me with a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence in eye care.” 

Today, Dr. Yath is a proud private practice owner and an active member of the Arizona Optometric Association. Her optometric path is still driven by the desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. 

A Message to Current NECO Students

Dr. Yath’s advice for current NECO students is simple but powerful: “See eye care as more than vision correction. See it as an opportunity to touch lives, inspire hope, and foster community well-being.”  

She also stresses the importance of connections: “Optometry school is very stressful, and figuring out what your passion is may not be an easy choice, but having the right people around you and taking advantage of the support that surrounds you will pay off.”