New England College of Optometry implements contact-tracing wearables to boost COVID-response and enable in-person learning
The New England College of Optometry (NECO) formed a COVID-19 Task Force and began exploring ideas to enable in-person learning at the school in a safe, effective and well-planned manner. One of the solutions that NECO implemented is a contact-tracing tool that allows the school to respond immediately to report of an infection, accurately and effectively, without relying on a sign-in sheet or a person’s recollection of their previous contacts.
The New England College of Optometry (NECO) is a nationally recognized, top-tier optometry school located in Boston. Beyond its excellence in academic and clinical programs, the college provides support and mentoring to help students make a difference in their communities and the eye care profession.
NECO’s teaching approach for future eye doctors relies heavily on students having live experiences, in-person classes and interactive learning. Once the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality and the Governor of Massachusetts ordered the state into a lockdown on March 17, 2020, NECO closed its facilities and quickly pivoted to a remote learning model. Meanwhile, the school formed its COVID-19 Task Force and COVID Exposure Committees and began exploring ideas to enable in-person learning at the school in a safe, effective and well-planned manner, giving students a full academic experience and continuing toward graduation on-time while being fully prepared to practice optometry as their future profession.