News
Explore News & Stories
NECO Honors 50 Years of Clinical Training at Community Health Centers during Commencement
The clinical training model that many optometry schools, NECO being the first, have integrated into their curriculum is thanks in large part to Dr. Jack Geiger and Dr. Count Gibson, who established the country’s first community health center.
NECO celebrates 50 years of commitment to community-based training
In 2022, New England College of Optometry recognizes 50 years of training students and serving patients in community health centers throughout the region. As the first optometry school to conceive and create such a clinical training model, NECO has influenced thousands of optometrists and optometry itself. Here’s the story of how it all began.
Today: NECO’s dedication to CHCs continues
NECO celebrates 50 years of affiliation with community health centers (CHCs), yet the focus remains firmly on the future.
Beyond the Eye Exam: Cultural competency and compassion at core of training
“Two of the most valuable things students learn here are culturally competent care and multidisciplinary care,” Dr. Xu says.
Alums inspired by clinical experiences
Who knows if the catalysts for change at NECO 50 years ago thought about whether its graduates would embrace what they experienced, but many have. Read how some NECO alumni were inspired by their experiences training in community health centers.