News

Canadian students from NECO and MCPHS came together in Boston to watch NextGen OD’s annual “Future Focus” conference simulcast from Ontario.

On March 19, 2025, the New England College of Optometry (NECO) joined forces with the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists (MSO) to host Optometrists Day at the State House in Boston. The annual event allowed optometrists and optometry students to influence eye care policy in the Commonwealth directly.

Boston, MA – [March 13, 2025] New England College of Optometry (NECO) mourns the passing of Maureen Hanley, OD, Class of 1981, a cherished faculty member who dedicated more than four decades to shaping the future of optometry. Dr. Hanley passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 69.

There are many different working environments across the country and the world. Your eyes are often a key factor in getting your work done, so it’s important to keep them healthy and safe! 

The 2025 Vision Expo East featured many notable speakers and presentations. NECO was well represented, with President & CEO Dr. Howard Purcell being awarded Prevent Blindness’ Person of Vision.

For many optometry students, deciding what to do after graduation is a difficult choice with many options to consider. Each year, about 500 of optometry school graduates across the country choose to develop advanced clinical skills in a focused area of the profession by pursuing residency training. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in individuals over 50. It affects central vision and significantly impacts daily life. This progressive eye disease targets the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. AMD only affects a person’s central vision, so it won’t directly cause total blindness. The peripheral vision remains intact, leading to what is called a scotoma, or a blindspot, in the center of one’s field of vision.

For 200 years, braille has remained a steadfast tool in supporting and promoting literacy for millions of people. Throughout he centuries, it is still as accessible as ever through modern digital assistive devices.