New England College of Optometry

Ten NECO students were accepted into Clasp cohorts this year. Clasp helps students turn education into impact by connecting them with employers who invest in their future and help pay down their student debt. Landing in a cohort means these students have landed jobs before they graduate with an employer who is committed to helping repay their student loans. In total, these employers have committed over $2.3M in loan repayment to NECO students! Learn more about Clasp and other loan repayment options: https://ow.ly/Gg2050Z7iia

From Michael Huang, NECO Class of 2027: As I wrap up my third year of optometry school and prepare to set off on my final-year clinical rotations, I have also been reflecting on the journey that has brought me to where I am now: the late nights I spent studying, the patients I've encountered, the new friendships I've forged. Undoubtedly, I have grown both personally and professionally throughout my time at NECO, and I have also seen firsthand how my training translates directly into patient care that makes a real and lasting impact.

As someone who believes deeply in NECO's mission and purpose, please consider making a donation to ensure this profession remains accessible to the most capable and deserving. Any amount can make a difference to support our Fiscal Year-End Campaign. You can make a gift here: https://ow.ly/Im8Q50Z6aBW

It's hard not to feel immense pride for these 127 graduates. Watch out, world: here come the NECO graduates of 2026!

It’s time to come back to Beacon Street! We are thrilled to invite our alumni to NECO’s annual Alumni Reunion on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Whether it’s been five years or fifty since you last walked our halls, this day is all about celebrating our shared history and looking toward NECO’s exciting future. This year, we are celebrating classes ending in 1 or 6 (plus 2025 for their first reunion). Registration: https://ow.ly/1Wz550Z4r0Q

Here are some of the fun photos taken by our newly-minted graduates with their family and friends during NECO's "Last Look Lunch" on May 16 at Beacon Street!

NECO held its 132nd commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Boston’s Symphony Hall, conferring Doctor of Optometry degrees to 127 students in the four-year OD program, as well as five students who were awarded a Master’s Degree in Vision Science concurrently with their OD degree. More than 1,500 friends and family members packed the hall for this wonderful event. Read more: https://www.neco.edu/news/commencement-2026-celebrating-the-future-of-optometry/

Coming up this Saturday is our "Last Look Lunch" for soon-to-be-graduates and their families, followed by Commencement on Sunday at 11AM at Symphony Hall!

Dr. Howard Purcell welcomed our new Advanced Standing International Program (ASIP) and Accelerated OD students to his office this week to kick off their NECO careers. Welcome all!