July 29, 2021 — New England College of Optometry (NECO) announced that National Vision, Inc., has donated $100,000 to establish a new scholarship geared towards first-generation students from underrepresented backgrounds. 

“The need is there and we’re pleased to have more individuals and companies join the effort to address a real issue of diversity in optometry. Diversifying the field starts at the education level and we thank National Vision for their generosity,” says Howard Purcell, O.D., FAAO, NECO president and CEO and 2020 #EBGameChanger. “Scholarships are an important way to make graduate school possible and potentially attract individuals who otherwise may not have considered optometry.” 

Scholarships are part of NECO’s efforts to attract a more diverse student body. In the fall of 2020, NECO’s the Warby Parker Scholarship launched to cover the tuition of two Black scholars for NECO’s four-year doctor of optometry program. NECO was also the first optometry school to sign on to the 13% Promise, a a pledge led by Black Eyecare Perspective, which asks for greater equity and Black representation across the eyecare industry. Learn more about the 13% Promise in EB’s previous livestream interview with the organization’s founders.

“With 45% of optometrists in our network identifying as Black, indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), National Vision is committed to creating a great environment for people of all backgrounds to practice optometry,” says Reade Fahs, National Vision CEO. “This gift is a way to reduce barriers to success and broaden access to education for students from backgrounds that are sorely underrepresented in optometry today, and an investment towards a more inclusive future for the entire optometric community.”