BOSTON—The New England College of Optometry (NECO) and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) have entered into a letter of intent to explore a potential combination between the two educational institutions. The impetus to merge is due in part to the natural synergy between the two institutions as a result of MCPHS establishing its School of Optometry on its Worcester campus in 2011, as reported by VMail, Nov. 11, 2011.

Founded in 1894, NECO provides a four-year, post-baccalaureate professional curriculum to approximately 475 students. MCPHS was founded in 1823 and has over 6,000 students pursuing both undergraduate and graduate degrees in approximately 50 academic programs on three campuses, including optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, nursing, physical therapy, dental hygiene, radiological science, public health and pre-med.

“In the weeks ahead, we will work with MCPHS leadership to articulate the numerous benefits of becoming part of a larger organization,” said Steven Manfredi, Board Chair of the New England College of Optometry. “We anticipate that MCPHS University will be able to provide significant, ongoing support and investment in NECO’s programs, facilities and equipment.”

“The combination with NECO will give MCPHS University two separately accredited optometry schools and a presence in the field of optometry in the City of Boston,” said Charles Monahan, president, MCPHS.