Prior to his appointment as President of New England College of Optometry in July of 2018, Dr. Howard Purcell served as the Senior Vice President of Customer Development for Essilor of America. He was part of the Essilor team for ten years. Before joining Essilor, he spent 13 years as Senior Director of Professional Affairs for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.

Dr. Purcell is a graduate of NECO, Class of 1984, and has long been involved in the college by presenting continuing education classes, supporting student development, and serving on the Board of Trustees. He began his optometric career by participating in a group optometric practice for 11 years with his father, NECO alumnus Saul Purcell, OD ’54, in Miami Beach, FL.

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

Dr. Purcell is a Diplomate in the Cornea and Contact Lens Section of the American Academy of Optometry. His energetic and enthusiastic style has made him a popular lecturer internationally. Dr. Purcell’s unique philosophies and practices have often attracted the media to focus attention on current optometric issues and research in the industry.