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According to New England College of Optometry (NECO) president Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, “We continue our focus on impacting the feeling of belonging in our community. We want everyone to feel welcome at NECO. Without that component, you are wasting your time on other diversity efforts.” He added, “We respond to internal and societal concerns as they impact our community. This has been a key issue in assisting our students in their journey through what today is a very rigorous curriculum.




DE&I s a multi-pronged effort at New England College of Optometry..
  
“Current issues have challenged all of us and reminded us that we all have our own views and perspectives, yet when we speak on behalf of the college it requires sensitivity and a desire to listen and learn. Open dialogue, mutual compassion and understanding has been at our core.”

Dr. Purell pointed out, “We have a strong ABIDE (Association for Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) Council that works on our DE&I goals and initiatives across the school (faculty and staff representation from across our college, health centers and clinics). We continually increase the level of DEI topics and education in our curriculum and keep that focus with our Culturally Relevant Curriculum Committee.”

He also noted that NECO has continued with its school screening program. “Early identification combined with follow-up and education have made a difference in our community. This allows our first-year students an experience in patient care while serving those children most in need in our community.”

In addition, NECO has begun pathways partnership with a local charter school and will continue to build and expand that program to increase awareness of the field of optometry and of the school’s program for young students in an area with large Black and Latinx representation.



Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO



NECO has integrated “land acknowledgements” as part of the introduction to major college functions including its White Coat Ceremony and Commencement. In addition, NECO has worked toward standardizing its hiring and recruitment practices to ensure continued equitable access and diversification, Dr. Purcell noted.

“We provide ongoing DE&I-focused trainings and discussion opportunities for our community at the student, faculty/staff and leadership levels. We have provided and continue to plan a DE&I focused COPE-accredited CE series and we host regular opportunities to gather as a community in learning, discussion and celebration of various cultural and heritage related events.”

NECO’s DE&I director engages regularly with chief diversity officers at other optometric institutions through working groups. This has helped to sustain the college’s momentum and assures accountability. At NECO, the director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging reports directly to the president.

Dr. Purcell acknowledges some of the pain points in the DE&I journey of 2023. “The recent Supreme Court decision on Race in Admissions has resulted in many questions and challenges for those institutions who are committed to provide doctors that are representative of the communities they serve. There are many opportunities to continue the work we have been doing.

“It does require that we pivot and adapt to the current laws. Discussions are ongoing as to how we plan to ensure we continue to work toward our diversification/DE&I goals while we follow the court’s ruling. Those diversification efforts exist at the faculty level, students, staff and board of trustees.” He also added, “We are proud to have joined the Black EyeCare Perspective’s 13% efforts.”

Even as other partnership efforts expand, Purcell noted, “These efforts will take time. Creating an environment where all feel welcome and that they belong is a process. One must start with the foundational elements and work from there. The great news is that our students are leading the charge.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Purcell said NECO plans to continue and expand its Sponsored Pathways Program. “This is one of many programs intended to address the issue of student debt. This program helps employers address geographical demand by agreeing to cover part of the student’s tuition in exchange for an agreement to employment for a specified time frame.

“NECO intends to launch a Hybrid OD program (the time frame is dependent on accreditation) that will enable those who live in the 30 states without an optometry school to have the option to remain home for most of their education. The hope is that this will result in graduates remaining in their home towns in order to serve those communities,” Dr. Purcell said.