Oh, Canada!

A Shared Vision: NECO’s Appeal to Canadian Students

The limited number of optometry schools in Canada—currently only two, located at the University of Waterloo and Université de Montréal—means that seats are highly competitive. This shortage has led Canadian students to look beyond their borders for educational opportunities. NECO, with its proximity to Canada and its excellent reputation, offers an ideal destination for building a career in optometry.

With a reputation as a leader in optometric education, NECO provides a deep understanding of vision science with a focus on practical, hands-on clinical experience. NECO’s close ties with a range of clinical partners in the Boston area allow students to engage with diverse patient populations, gaining experience in areas such as pediatric optometry, vision therapy, and the treatment of ocular disease. This comprehensive, patient-centered approach to learning is particularly appealing to Canadian students, many of whom are drawn to NECO for its depth of training and the applicability of skills after returning to Canada.

Proximity and Cultural Similarities

Boston’s close proximity to major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa makes NECO an appealing choice for Canadian students. The accessibility of flights and shorter travel distances help maintain strong connections with home, while also providing the chance to experience life in a new city. 

Recent graduates point to NECO’s welcoming, inclusive environment, which helps Canadian students immediately feel at home. Many students find that the cultural similarities between the U.S. and Canada—language, shared media, and familiar values—ease the transition to life in Boston. This, combined with NECO’s supportive community, creates an ideal learning environment.

Navigating Licensing: Canadian Students’ Post-Graduate Pathway

One of the major considerations for Canadian students at NECO is the college’s understanding of the process for obtaining licensure to practice optometry back in Canada. NECO’s program is structured in a way that supports this pathway by offering guidance on how to meet the requirements of Canadian licensing bodies, including the Canadian Examiners in Optometry (CEO). Canadian students are also able to take the Canadian Assessment of Competence in Optometry (CACO) exams during or shortly after their studies at NECO, facilitating their ability to return home to practice post-graduation.

Alumni Success Stories

Many NECO alumni from Canada have gone on to enjoy successful careers in optometry—both in Canada and the US—as clinicians, educators, and researchers. Their stories inspire current students and demonstrate the value of the education and experiences offered at NECO. Alumni often return to 424 Beacon Street to share their stories with current students, contributing to NECO’s strong network of professional connections.

In addition, NECO’s active alumni community ensures that graduates have easy access to a network of peers and mentors throughout their professional lives. This network is particularly valuable for Canadian graduates who may be looking for job opportunities or connections within both the Canadian and American optometry communities.

A Bright Future for Canadian Students at NECO

With each passing year, the presence of Canadian students at NECO continues to strengthen, fostering a diverse and vibrant student body. NECO remains committed to making every student’s transition to graduate education as smooth as possible, and that focus on student well-being remains steadfast throughout their time at NECO. 

Whether practicing in Canada or in the U.S., Canadian students carry with them the skills, knowledge, and experiences gained at NECO—enhancing the field of optometry on both sides of the border for generations to come.