NECO Announces Distinguished Alumni
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NECO Announces Distinguished Alumni
Each year NECO proudly awards the Distinguished Alumni title to deserving graduates who have exemplified excellence, embraced their role as compassionate caregivers, exhibited an unwavering dedication to the field of optometry, and made a profound impact on their communities. We recognize and pay tribute to these talented professionals and recognize them as truly outstanding individuals. Congratulations to our 2024 Distinguished Alumni: Dr. Karen G. Carrasquillo ’05, Dr. Charles F. Mullen ’69, and Dr. Eli Peli ’83.
Karen Carrasquillo OD, PhD, Class of 2005
Is best known for her patented SCLERAL FitKit and establishing the FitAcademy to train clinicians worldwide in ocular surface disease management. Additionally, Dr. Carrasquillo is considered the key international opinion leader on scleral lenses.
Charles F. Mullen OD, Class of 1969
Is known for expanding educational and clinical practice through national policy change and strengthening vision care. Dr. Mullen established the current community health center and VA Hospital networks. His work continues to instill confidence in students, residents, faculty, and patients across the country.
Eli Peli OD, MSc, Class of 1983
Is a leading expert in vision rehabilitation research and was the first to propose and test the use of computerized image enhancement as a visual aid. Dr. Peli has developed numerous optical visual aids that are used around the world.
Read their full bios at neco.edu.
