Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry Awards NECO

Beginning in March of 2000 the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) started to recognize volunteers for outstanding innovation in optometric education. This award was donned the Jack Bennet award which was established in honor of Dr. Jack Bennet. Dr. Bennet served as Dean for three different institutions and was considered a creative leader in optometric education during his tenure. Before the most recent American Optometric Association conference (Optometry Meeting 2022), NECO was awarded this honor, as was all faculty associated with ASCO throughout the US and Canada. This award recognizes the hard work and dedication displayed by all educators, didactically and clinically,  throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NECO’s Dr. Benjamin Young was able to accept the award for us and had this to say, “After four years of teaching at this optometry school, I have personally grown to appreciate the high level of organization, expertise, cooperation, and dedication it takes to create and maintain a robust and meaningful learning experience for our students.”

“I cannot express how highly I hold you all in esteem. Thank you for all that you do for our students, and thank you for making me a better educator in the process.” Congratulations to all in receiving this honor. As we become accustomed to a new normal, NECO will always be grateful for how tirelessly the professors and clinicians worked to create an effective and meaningful learning environment for our students and patients. Congratulations NECO faculty on this award!