July 15, 2020 —
New England College of Optometry (NECO) has announced five new members to its board of trustees, which is responsible for NECO’s educational mission and fiscal oversight.
Learn more about the new trustees, here.
Linda Bennett, O.D., founded Bennett Family Eye in Belmont, MA. In the span of 30 years, Dr. Bennett grew it from a single practitioner model to multiple providers and locations. Prior to this role, she worked in private practice in Charlestown, MA, at Harvard Community Health Center, and at Cambridge City Hospital. Dr. Bennett served as president of the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists and for five years on the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Optometry. A NECO graduate, Dr. Bennett also served two terms as president of NECO’s Alumni Association.
Katherine Coffey, O.D., founded Coffey Eye Care in Quincy, MA, in 1992 and expanded the practice until partnering with MyEyeDr. this year. She is active in the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists and served as its president and legislative committee member. Dr. Coffey was an adjunct faculty member at NECO and was previously a staff optometrist specializing in contact lenses at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. She served on the board of trustees of Elizabeth Seton Academy in Dorchester, MA. Dr. Coffey is a graduate of NECO and holds a master’s degree in chemistry from Boston College.
Alan Glazier, O.D., is the founder of the O.D.s on Facebook group and ODsOnFB.com. He is inventor on seven issued patents in computer science and ophthalmology. Dr. Glazier is well-published, lectures nationally and internationally, and serves on multiple advisory boards. He was named Optometrist of the Year in the state of Maryland in 2017. Dr. Glazier is the founder of Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care in Rockville, MD, and partner and business development executive in Keplr Vision. He is a graduate of NECO and delivered the college’s 2019 commencement address.
Janet LaBreck is a former commissioner and a nationally recognized senior executive and presenter with more than 28 years of experience in implementing strategies for integrated solutions within the Federal and State government and the business community. Appointed by President Barack Obama as commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration in the U.S. Department of Education, LaBreck supported states and other agencies in providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities in order to maximize their employment, independence, and integration into the community and workforce. Prior to this appointment, she served for six years as commissioner for the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. LaBreck current works at Synergy Consulting Partners LLC, which she co-founded. In 2017, NECO dedicated the Janet L. LaBreck Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation clinic, recognizing her dedication to the field of blindness. NECO bestowed her with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
Valarie A. Ricciardi, O.D., has provided primary eye care for all ages, including contact lenses and laser vision consultations, for more than 28 years. She practices in two locations, Spencer and Worcester, MA, and is an administrator for Massachusetts Vision Source for which she was awarded Administrator of the Year. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and secretary of the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists. Dr. Ricciardi is a graduate of NECO and Assumption College.