OWA Talks Podcast

Innovation Adaptation in Optometric Colleges with Dr. Howard Purcell

June 29, 2021 Stephanie and Sandra
OWA Talks Podcast
Innovation Adaptation in Optometric Colleges with Dr. Howard Purcell
Show Notes

What's going on at the schools and colleges of Optometry.?  All 23 Optometry Schools have gone through rapid adaptation during the pandemic to continue supporting their students' successful learning journey.  Committed faculty are to preparing the future of the profession while continuing to grow their skills as the profession continues to evolve.   Dr. Purcell believes that today's students are looking for flexibility, the ability to select different learning experiences and be part of inclusive learning environments that help all feel as they belong.  Graduates today are well prepared to enter into the profession and change the way that we see the world.  It is an exciting time for our industry and moving forward schools need to work on better diversity to serve their patients best.


Howard Purcell, O.D., F.A.A.O., Diplomate and FNAP has been President and CEO of the New England College of Optometry (NECO) since July 2018.  Before assuming his leadership role at NECO, he served as Senior Vice President at Essilor of America and Senior Director at Johnson and Johnson Vision Care.  A second generation graduate of the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Purcell also participated in a group optometric practice for eleven years with his father in Miami Beach, FL.

 

Beginning in June 1991, Dr. Purcell joined the faculty of Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry.  During his career at the college, he was a principle in the development of the Department of Cornea and Contact Lenses.  Reaching the rank of Associate Professor, Dr. Purcell was responsible for both the didactic and clinical components of the program, serving as the Deputy Dean of the college. 

 

Dr. Purcell is a Diplomate in the Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies Section of the American Academy of Optometry

 

His energetic and enthusiastic style has made Dr. Purcell a popular lecturer internationally.  Purcell’s unique philosophies and practices have often attracted the media to focus attention on current optometric issues and research in the industry.