INTRODUCTION
Dear Friends:
For more than a century, NECO has led the way in advancing optometric education and redefining patient care. From pioneering myopia research to forging groundbreaking clinical partnerships with community health centers, our legacy is one of innovation, impact, and leadership. But leadership isn’t about resting on past achievements–it’s about pushing forward, embracing change, and ensuring we continue to set the standard for excellence in optometry.
Today, we stand at a pivotal moment. The challenges facing higher education and healthcare–from rising costs, student debt, evolving patient expectations, and revolutionary advances in technology–demand bold action. To remain at the forefront, we must not only respond to change, but drive it.
That’s why I’m proud to introduce NECO’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan: The Future InSight, a visionary roadmap that will strengthen our institution, elevate student success, and transform the way we educate, train, and inspire the next generation of optometrists.
This plan is built around six key goals that will guide our future:
Revolutionize optometric education by integrating the curriculum, learning outcomes, and student support to foster meaningful educational experiences and professional success.
Advance clinical training and patient-centered care by leveraging new technologies and expanding experiential learning opportunities to educate clinicians who combine clinical and technical excellence with the highest standards of compassionate care for all communities.
Develop a thoughtful research strategy that leverages NECO’s strengths while acknowledging its limitations and fostering educational opportunities for students to explore how evidence-based research enhances patient care.
Ensure long-term financial sustainability, operational excellence and future-preparedness by optimizing resource allocation, enhancing efficiency, and driving strategic growth.
Foster a culture of excellence and engagement by cultivating a community of passionate and engaged faculty and staff dedicated to student success, fiscal responsibility and transformative education.
Innovate for the future of optometry by enhancing affordability, expanding accessibility, and creating a more agile and effective educational model that meets the demands of the future.
