Accelerated OD Program
Get an OD in 3 Years
With an intense, 36-month curriculum, our Accelerated OD Program (AODP) allows you to build on your existing academic and professional experience so you can start practicing, teaching, or researching sooner. This program is for scientists and physicians who hold a doctoral degree in science or medicine (or equivalent experience).
As an established scholar or practitioner, you’ll bring your unique background to NECO and into the field of optometry.
Apply to AODP
Find information on steps, deadlines, fees, and the materials you’ll need to submit.
Timeline: A closer look at your NECO journey
Taking your career and research to the next level is an important decision. We are here to support you throughout this process. Here are key insights into what you might experience throughout the program.
809+ Hours: Class, Lab, and Seminar/Online. A sample of classes you might take:
- Ocular Physiology
- Neuroanatomy
- Optics
- Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility
- Color Vision
- Neural Basis of Vision
80+ Hours: Patient Care
Clinical experiences help students learn from clinical preceptors how to apply classroom skills, perform initial aspects of eye exam, and take on a larger role in the eye exam.
820+ Hours: Class, Lab, and Seminar/Online. Classes you might take over the course of three terms.
- Principles of Anterior Segment Diseases
- Intro to Public Health
- Contact Lenses I and II
- Low Vision Rehab Throughout the Life Span
- Advanced Surgical and Laser Procedures
- Strabismus and Amblyopia
354+ Hours: Patient Care
Clinical experiences help students learn from clinical preceptors how to apply classroom skills, perform initial aspects of eye exam, and take on a larger role in the eye exam.
38-43 Hours: Class, Lab, and Seminar/Online.
Here is a sample of some classes you might take over the course of two terms:
- Anterior and Posterior Interactive Case Studies
- Clinical Neuro-ophthalmic Topics
1600+ Hours: Patient Care
The third year is primarily clinical, consisting of four externship clinical rotations.
- Primary Care Rotation
(community health center, community clinic, or private practice) - Advanced Care Rotation
(ocular disease in hospital or surgical center, such as a VA medical center) - Specialty Care Rotation
(vision therapy, contact lenses, pediatrics, geriatrics, patients with disabilities, or low vision)
For detailed course descriptions, view the College Catalog on Consumer Info.
Accelerate Your Opportunities
Since 1972, our AODP program has allowed established scholars and practitioners to expand their scope of care or research.
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Diverse Group of Scientists and Professionals
Learn alongside scientists, physicians, engineers, and other highly educated professionals at all stages of their careers.
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Range of Career Opportunities
Our AODP graduates are professors, department chairs, and college deans. They’re also successful practitioners, healthcare leaders, and industry innovators.
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Flexible and Versatile Program
An accelerated program means less time, but it doesn’t mean less opportunity. Personalize your NECO education with concentrations and electives that meet your career goals.
Vision for the Future
Lance McNaughton, OD, PhD
NECO is an amazing college, the oldest of its kind in the USA. In recent years the college has shifted gears under the direction of President H. Purcell, whose vision has raised the bar in optometric education, preparing students for 21st century optometry in the most visionary and innovative ways.
- Associate Professor of Optometry Areas of Expertise: Cornea and Contact Lens