BOSTON—New England College of Optometry, NECO, celebrated 121 years of continuous optometric education with its commencement exercises. The ceremony took place at John Hancock Hall here. Participating in the ceremony were Class of 1955 and 1965 alumni, as well as NECO Board members, faculty, and leadership. During the ceremony, NECO conferred 117 Doctor of Optometry Degrees, five Master of Science in Vision Science degrees, and two Bachelor of Science in Optometry degrees.

NECO presented three 2015 honorary degree recipients for 2015 to Jordan Kassalow, OD ’88, Richard Wallingford, Jr. OD ’75, and Irving Bennett, OD.

Kassalow delivered the keynote address to graduates, encouraging students to dare to matter in their lives and careers. Kassalow is the founder and co-chairman of VisionSpring, an organization dedicated to providing affordable access to eyeglasses for everyone, as well as a practicing partner at Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates in NYC.

During his address, he encouraged the Class of 2015 to make an impact throughout their careers. He challenged them to “Dare to matter, figure out how to matter, and decide what to do that matters.” Kassalow was a NECO student and first heard about VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) at a student presentation. He soon traveled to Mexico on a VOSH medical mission. One of the first people he saw was a seven year old child holding a braille book and a vacant look.

As he performed his eye exam, he realized he did not see any signs of blindness in the child’s eyes. Instead, the child was actually profoundly nearsighted. After rummaging through a bin of donated glasses, he experienced a life changing moment for both himself and the child. “Two people’s lives changed that day. He got vision and I did too. I discovered how I could matter.”

Wallingford is the past president of the AOA, serving as president from 2005-2006. In addition to practicing in Maine, he has served on many optometric committees and boards, including the NECO Board of Trustees. Bennett served as an optometrist in World War II and went on to start a successful practice in Western Pennsylvania.

(L to R) Irving Bennett, OD, Jordan Kassalow, OD ’88, and Richard Wallingford, Jr. OD ’75. Jordan Kassalow, OD, delivered the keynote address to graduates, encouraging students to dare to matter.