Mission & Vision

Our mission, vision, and values shape the educational experience, the work we do together, and the communities we work with.

Mission

The mission of New England College of Optometry is to change the way people see the world.  We do so by:

  • Integrating innovative education with early and diverse clinical experiences to prepare today’s optometrists for tomorrow’s optometry.
  • Advancing the frontiers of optometric knowledge through evidence-based research and then applying this knowledge to improve patients’ lives worldwide.
  • Cultivating compassionate care at the highest level of proficiency, integrity, and professionalism; influencing public policy; expanding access to comprehensive and specialty optometric services; and emphasizing a sensitivity to the health and social welfare of diverse communities.

Vision

NECO will continue to stand out as a leading college of optometry in the rapidly evolving world of professional education and healthcare.

Values

Purpose & Impact: We commit to high-quality and compassionate patient care, access and advocacy for underserved populations, and impact that improves lives.

Excellence & Discovery: We encourage curiosity, explore innovation, embrace and adapt to change, and dedicate ourselves to advancing eye care in the face of evolving healthcare delivery systems and patient expectations.

Leadership & Inspiration: We inspire each other to think differently; we hold ourselves accountable for our actions, words, and results; and we communicate clearly and respectfully.

Collegiality & Collaboration: We approach our work and our relationships with a spirit of teamwork, helpfulness, honesty, and civility.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: We celebrate and cultivate diversity throughout our clinical network. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that all people—faculty, staff, and patients alike—feel a sense of community and belonging at NECO.

NECO doing its Part

Low Vision

The Low Vision Lab at NECO leads a research study that focuses on the accessibility of visual assistive applications for people living with low vision and other vision impairments.

Color image of retina taken by Optical Coherence Tomography

Glaucoma

Massachusetts optometrists now treat individuals suffering from glaucoma. This law helps ease the burden of cost and access for people in need of treatment.