Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About NECO

NECO is a private, nonprofit professional college located in Boston, Massachusetts, dedicated exclusively to educating future optometrists. Founded in 1894, NECO is one of the oldest colleges of optometry in the United States and is known for its strong clinical training, academic rigor, and commitment to community health. Learn more about NECO's history.

Yes. NECO is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), the accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for professional optometric degree programs.

NECO is located in the historic Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, within walking distance of public transportation, cultural institutions, and numerous healthcare and research centers.

NECO offers the following degree programs:

• The Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, a four-year professional program that prepares graduates for licensure and practice as optometrists.
• The Accelerated OD Program (AODP), designed for scientists and physicians who have a doctoral-level science or medical degree. This 36-month program includes a full year of clinical rotations, engaging in full time patient care.
• The Advanced Standing International Program (ASIP), a two-year OD program for graduates of an international optometry program. Graduates bring their new knowledge and skills back to their countries, where many go on to assume leadership roles or advocate for legislation to expand the scope of practice in their countries.
• The MS/OD China Program, a unique joint degree program through a partnership with China’s Wenzhou Medical University. Students are provided with the credentials needed to assume positions of leadership in China’s medical education and health care systems.
• The MS in Vision Sciences degree for qualified applicants. This is a two-year, research-driven graduate program designed to prepare you for competitive residencies or expand academic and industry career opportunities.

Applicants must complete prerequisite undergraduate coursework, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A bachelor’s degree is strongly recommended but not required. Competitive applicants demonstrate strong academic performance, commitment to healthcare, and a clear understanding of the optometry profession. Learn more about prerequisites here.

An entrance exam is required for admission, with a majority of applicants taking the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). MCAT and DAT are also accepted.

Applications are submitted through the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS). NECO also requires a supplemental application. Learn more here.

Yes. NECO considers applications from students transferring from other optometry programs on a case-by-case basis, subject to space availability and academic review.

To be eligible for an open position at NECO, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in another accredited school or college of optometry.
• Have satisfactorily completed courses equivalent to those at NECO.
• Provide a personal statement with supporting documentation demonstrating a compelling need to transfer in order to complete their optometric education.
• Have an official acknowledgement of the transfer request by the dean at the applicant’s present optometry school.
• Provide certification of good academic standing.
• Apply through OptomCAS.

NECO’s curriculum integrates foundational sciences, clinical skills, and patient care from the first year onward. Students gain early exposure to clinical settings while building a strong scientific and diagnostic foundation. Learn more about our programs here.

Students begin hands-on clinical training early in the program, with increasing responsibility each year. By the third and fourth years, students spend the majority of their time in clinical rotations. First-year students participate in vision screening programs; second-year students are assigned to local community health centers or health systems for formal clinical training.

NECO students train in a wide range of settings, including NECO’s on-site clinics, community health centers, hospitals, private practices, and specialty clinics across the U.S. and abroad.

NECO maintains a class size between 120-130 students, allowing for close interaction with faculty, personalized advising, and hands-on learning.

NECO partners with dozens of clinical training sites nationwide and internationally, providing students with diverse patient populations and practice environments.

Clinical assignment locations during the third year include comprehensive eye centers, community clinics, community health centers, group practices, hospitals, and VA hospitals.

Externships are completed for the 4-year and accelerated programs. There are four clinical rotations over 12 months.

Here, you take responsibility for the clinical care of patients from start to finish, including coordination of follow-up care, writing referral letters, and providing patient education under the supervision of clinical preceptors. You will rotate through four types of clinical assignments:

• Community Health Center
• VA Hospital
• Specialty care (vision therapy, pediatrics, specialty contact lens, low vision)
• Elective (private optometry practices, additional VA opportunities, hospital-based clinics, ophthalmology practices)

Some students may be assigned to contact-lens-specific sites in order to assure a broad clinical experience.

Yes. Students may gain experience in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, ocular disease, contact lenses, low vision, and community-based care.

Yes. NECO offers select international clinical experiences, allowing students to gain global perspectives on eye care delivery.

NECO offers a supportive and collaborative student culture with numerous student organizations, leadership opportunities, and community service initiatives. Learn more about the NECO student experience.

NECO does not offer on-campus housing, but the Office of Student Affairs provides resources to help students find housing in Boston and surrounding neighborhoods. We also help connect students who are searching for a roommate. Learn more about NECO's housing resources.

Boston is a vibrant college city with a rich history, diverse neighborhoods, world-class healthcare institutions, and extensive public transportation—making it an exciting place to live and learn. NECO is nestled in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, just steps away from the Charles River and surrounded by the innovation and opportunity of one of the east coast’s most vibrant cities. Learn more about living in Boston as a NECO student.

At NECO, we believe that financial considerations should never stand in the way of your education and future in optometry. That’s why we offer a variety of funding options to help make your degree more affordable and accessible. From scholarships and federal aid to loan repayment options via the Sponsored Pathways program and work-study opportunities, NECO is committed to supporting you every step of the way as you invest in your career and your calling. Learn more about funding your degree. We also invite you to read our Financial Aid FAQ.

Yes. NECO offers a variety of merit- and need-based scholarships for incoming and continuing students.

We understand the need to be best prepared for your career. That’s why NECO offers career support that can meet different career needs.  From meeting with alumni to get their insights into the career options, to taking courses targeted at running your own business, to attending networking events and career fairs, you can take advantage of these before your final year. Learn more about NECO's career services.

Many NECO students tell us that their visit to campus played a big role in their final decision. We feel an in-person visit is the best way to get an inside look at NECO, from the admissions process to the academic experience. Learn more about your options for visiting NECO.

You can contact NECO’s Office of Admissions to schedule a visit, attend an event, or speak directly with an admissions counselor. Please use this form to connect with Admissions.