Nicole Ross

Nicole Ross, OD, MSc, FAAO, Dipl AAO LV, is an Associate Professor of Optometry at the New England College of Optometry (NECO) and an attending optometrist at multiple institutions, including the NECO Center for Eye Care, Commonwealth, Perkins School for the Blind, and the Carroll Center for the Blind. She holds a Doctor of Optometry (OD) and a Master of Science in Vision Science from NECO, with a Fellowship in Low Vision Rehabilitation at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and a Residency in Vision Rehabilitation at Ohio State University College of Optometry.

Her research focuses on low vision rehabilitation, epidemiology of vision impairment, ocular structure-function relationships, and translational research in vision technologies. She leads the Low Vision Lab, collaborating on studies like the Best Aid Study (NIH/NEI-funded) and the CARE project, exploring tele-rehabilitation, device usage, and assistive technologies.

Ross has received numerous awards, including the 2021 American Academy of Optometry Diplomate, 2020 Dupuis-Pellerin Faculty Excellence Award, and the 2011 William Feinbloom Award. She actively contributes to professional organizations like the American Academy of Optometry (Secretary of Vision and Aging SIG) and the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (Board Member).

Her work emphasizes improving access to care for visually impaired populations, particularly through mobile clinics and telehealth. Key research themes include measuring outcomes of low vision interventions, optimizing assistive devices, and understanding factors influencing rehabilitation success.