New England College of Optometry's impact on Boston neighborhoods.
BACKGROUND
In the 1960s, the city of Boston developed and implemented an innovative plan creating an urban primary health care system. This bold undertaking was predicated on the maximal utilization of a growing network of multidisciplinary neighborhood health centers. Almost concurrently, the New England College of Optometry (NEWENCO) began a total restructuring of its clinical curriculum. The objectives of this NEWENCO initiative were compatible with those of the city's health care restructuring plan.


METHODS
The background, planning, structure, implementation and benefits of this collaborative effort are addressed.


RESULTS
The two formed a unique partnership that elevated the quality of care for the residents of Boston's neighborhoods and dramatically improved the training experience for NEWENCO students.


CONCLUSIONS
The NEWENCO-City of Boston partnership has improved the quality of health care in the urban neighborhoods and enhanced the clinical training of optometric externs.
D J
DJ
Hoffman
R
R
Gross
J M
JM
Sewell
D001900:Boston; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D003479:Curriculum; D006801:Humans; D009511:New England; D009907:Optometry / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration