News

Imagine being able to see the world around you, but your brain can’t make sense of what your eyes are taking in. That’s the daily reality for individuals living with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), the leading cause of vision loss among kids in the United States (NEI.GOV). Despite its complex symptoms, CVI remains one of the least understood or recognized conditions in the medical and educational fields.

This article first appeared in Women in Optometry and its corresponding “WO Voices” podcast

It is with pride we recognize and pay tribute to these talented professionals and recognize them as truly outstanding individuals. Congratulations to our 2024 Distinguished Alumni: Dr. Karen G. Carrasquillo ’05, Dr. Charles F. Mullen ’69, and Dr. Eli Peli ’83.

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Optometry Service stands today as the nation’s largest clinical training program for eye care professionals, but few know the pivotal role that New England College of Optometry (NECO) graduates played in its creation and evolution. Their innovative approach to integrated healthcare in the 1970s laid the foundation for what has become a cornerstone of veterans’ health services.

NECO recently participated in a Congressional briefing to support the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI) Act. Dr. Stacy Lyons joined other experts on World Sight Day to advocate for this bipartisan legislation, which aims to improve pediatric vision care through grant programs and standardized screening protocols.

In eye care, professionals dedicate their careers to preserving and enhancing patient vision. However, it is essential that we recognize and support those living with blindness or vision loss. That’s why White Cane Awareness Day, observed annually on October 15, holds special significance in optometric practice and public health awareness.

The Fourth Annual Industry Collaborative focused on eye care’s imbalance in health equity and how such inequities impact the patient, the student, and the doctors practicing in the field of optometry.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 has significantly improved the quality of life for individuals with vision impairments. As we observe Disability Pride Month, it’s important to examine how ADA compliance has enhanced accessibility for people with low vision, blindness, and other visual disabilities.

New England College of Optometry (NECO) celebrated its 130th Commencement Ceremony on May 19, 2024 at Boston’s Symphony Hall. The Class of 2024 was honored with awards and accolades that recognized their academic excellence and expertise over the past four years. Watch the recorded livestream of the ceremony.