New England College of Optometry (NECO), located in the heart of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood in Massachusetts, stands as the only optometry college in New England. Established in 1894, it has built a reputation for excellence in eye care education and vision research. Jobs at New England College of Optometry attract professionals passionate about training the next generation of optometrists while advancing clinical and scientific knowledge. Whether you're seeking faculty positions, research roles, or administrative opportunities, NECO offers a dynamic environment in one of the world's leading medical hubs.
The institution enrolls around 500 students in its flagship four-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) program, alongside master's and PhD pathways in vision science. Its New England Eye Institute provides hands-on clinical training, making roles here integral to real-world patient care. Careers span teaching future eye doctors, conducting groundbreaking studies on topics like pediatric vision or glaucoma management, and supporting operations in a close-knit community. With Boston's rich academic ecosystem—including proximity to Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear—employees benefit from collaborative networks that enhance professional growth.
Optometry, the healthcare profession focused on eye and vision care including refraction and detecting diseases like cataracts or macular degeneration, forms the core of NECO's mission. Positions here demand expertise in this field, blending education, research, and practice seamlessly.
Founded as the Klein College of Optometry, NECO evolved into its current form to meet New England's need for specialized eye care training. By 1975, it established the New England Eye Institute, now a key clinical arm serving diverse Boston patients. The college's mission emphasizes innovative optometric education, patient-centered care, and research that improves visual health outcomes globally.
This legacy shapes jobs at New England College of Optometry, where employees contribute to a tradition of leadership. For instance, NECO pioneered integrated pediatric optometry programs, influencing national standards. Today, its commitment to community service, like free vision screenings in underserved areas, offers staff meaningful impact alongside academic duties.
NECO's curriculum fuels demand for specialized faculty. The OD program covers primary care optometry, specialty contact lenses, and low vision rehabilitation across eight clinical rotations. Graduate programs delve into vision science, exploring neuroscience of sight or ocular therapeutics.
Departments like Clinical Sciences, Basic Sciences and Vision Research, and Specialty Programs hire experts to teach and innovate. Boston's urban setting allows partnerships with local hospitals, enriching roles with externships and residencies in areas like ocular disease or vision therapy.
Diverse openings exist for optometry enthusiasts. Clinical faculty instruct in patient exams and therapeutics, often splitting time between classroom and clinic. Basic science professors lead labs on topics like corneal biomechanics. Administrative roles in admissions or student affairs support operations.
Research jobs focus on funded projects, such as NIH grants for myopia prevention. Staff positions include clinic coordinators or IT specialists for electronic health records. For a full breakdown of university job types, explore our dedicated resource. Adjunct professor jobs and research assistant positions also appear periodically, ideal for building credentials.
Securing jobs at New England College of Optometry requires targeted credentials. Academic qualifications typically include an OD degree from an accredited institution for clinical roles, plus board certification by the American Board of Optometry. Research-oriented positions demand a PhD in physiological optics, neuroscience, or pharmacology, with postdoctoral experience preferred.
Research focus at NECO centers on translational vision science: developing therapies for dry eye syndrome, advancing tele-optometry, or studying age-related macular degeneration through clinical trials. Preferred experience encompasses peer-reviewed publications (aim for 5+ in journals like Optometry and Vision Science), securing grants from organizations like the National Eye Institute, and clinical hours exceeding 2,000 post-residency.
Essential skills and competencies include:
These elements ensure hires advance NECO's goal of producing competent, compassionate optometrists.
To aid understanding of jobs at New England College of Optometry, key terms include:
The process begins on NECO's careers page or platforms like higher ed jobs listings. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, and references. Interviews often involve teaching demos or research presentations.
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Postings close after 4-6 weeks; offers follow 1-2 months.
NECO fosters an inclusive environment through its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Initiatives include the Allies Program for LGBTQ+ support, recruitment pipelines for Black and Hispanic optometrists via partnerships with the National Optometric Student Association, and bias training for faculty. Annual events like Visionaries of Color celebrate contributions, while scholarships aid underrepresented students, extending to staff hiring goals for 30% diverse hires by 2025.
NECO prioritizes employee well-being with flexible scheduling, allowing faculty 20% protected research time and remote options for admin. Benefits encompass generous PTO (25 days/year), health coverage, and tuition remission for dependents. Boston campus life thrives with Back Bay's cafes, Fenway Park nearby, and T-access for commuting.
Wellness perks include yoga classes, mental health days, and the on-site fitness center. Socially, faculty mixers and holiday parties build community. Proximity to cultural gems like the Boston Symphony enhances off-hours, while summers offer lighter loads for recharging. Many balance with private practice, supported by collegial culture.
Ready to pursue jobs at New England College of Optometry? Browse higher ed jobs, seek career advice, or check university jobs nationwide. Institutions like NECO post openings regularly—post a job if recruiting. For employer branding tips, read our guide on attracting top talent.
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