132nd Commencement Exercises
NECO celebrated its 132nd commencement exercises on May 17, 2026, at Boston’s Symphony Hall. Over 1,500 faculty, trustees, alumni, and guests gathered to honor the graduating class. During the ceremony, the college conferred 127 Doctor of Optometry (OD) degrees and 5 concurrent Master’s Degrees in Vision Science. Olivia Carey and Carly Davies were named co-valedictorians, both graduating with perfect 4.0 GPAs.
The ceremony also recognized outstanding contributions to the field through distinguished honors. Honorary doctorates were conferred upon Yavar Ali Khan, RO, founder of the Academy of Ophthalmic Education, and H. Eric Cushing, philanthropist and Low Vision Program patron. Yvette Waddell, MBA, GAICD, CEO of the Brien Holden Vision Institute, was awarded the Presidential Medal for her global advocacy in myopia control.
Fifth Annual NECO Industry Collaborative
On November 3–4, 2025, NECO hosted over 100 leaders across academia, healthcare, and industry for its 5th Annual Industry Collaborative. The two-day summit explored how artificial intelligence, clinical decision-making, and new educational models are transforming eye care. Sessions focused on integrating generative AI tools, like SimConverse patient simulations, into academic curricula. Keynotes by Dr. Joseph Aoun (Northeastern) and Dr. Joshua Baker (Midwestern) emphasized “humanics”—pairing AI literacy with empathy, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary partnership. Interactive panels concluded the event with demonstrations of digital workflows, myopia management, and emerging clinical technologies.
NECO at the American Academy of Optometry Conference
NECO made a strong showing at the 2025 American Academy of Optometry annual meeting in Boston, MA, as faculty, clinicians, researchers, and students delivered a wide range of keynotes, symposia, clinical workshops, and poster presentations.
Leadership & Recognition
Dr. Amy Moy Theia Award Honors: Dr. Amy Moy was celebrated at the Women of Optometry Leadership Conference and Theia Awards for her outstanding contributions to community eye care and leadership.
Special Interest Groups: NECO hosted the Community Health SIG Business Meeting along with the Annual Preceptor Reception.
Alumni Reception: Around 500 alumni gathered at the 2025 Academy to celebrate our shared connection and showcase NECO pride.
Clinical & Educational Highlights
Low Vision & Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation: Workshops and lectures led by Drs. Alexis Malkin, Micaela Gobeille,
Nicole Ross, and Jem Martin explored social determinants of health, post-stroke rehabilitation, and emerging AMD therapies.Pediatric & Myopia Care: Research led by Dr. Fuensanta Vera-Diaz and Dr. Kristen Kerber highlighted early visual differences in pediatric myopia risk and evaluated real-world outcomes across clinical myopia control modalities.
Diagnostic & Disease Innovations: Hands-on workshops and symposia featured foreign body removal (Dr. Elena Biffi), dry eye drug-delivery systems (Dr. Walter Potaznick), and neuro-ophthalmic emergencies.
Community Health & Health Equity: A featured symposium co-led by Dr. Amy Moy and Dr. Gary Chu examined cross-collaborative care models within Community Health Centers to expand vision care access.