For 2010, SECO has once again assembled the best and brightest in optometry to deliver a continuing education program for optometrists that is unsurpassed in the industry. This year, we invite you to join us as we are “Embracing the Generations.” Many of our courses will focus on preparing you and your practice to address the eye care needs of every generation, beginning with infant care and spanning through geriatric care with every generation in between.

From February 10 through February 14, SECO will hold its annual meeting at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, where more than 7,000 eye care professionals are expected to attend for an unparalleled education experience they will not likely forget.

SECO’s 2010 meeting will focus on providing attendees access to education, exhibits and events. The meeting will balance a wide variety of continuing education courses with more than seven hours (unopposed by education courses) to browse Optometry’s Marketplace™, SECO’s 70,000-square-foot exhibit hall. SECO 2010 also will host more than 50 social and affiliate events, thus providing an ample opportunity for attendees to network and spend time with friends.

Earning a reputation as the Education Destination, SECO has created the 2010 O.D. Continuing Education program from the ground up, with new speakers, new topics and new educational experiences that continue to redefine optometry as we know it. This year, there are more opportunities than ever for optometrists to not only obtain the CE they want and need, but learn the latest that our industry partners have to offer. SECO 2010 will offer almost 350 hours and more than 80 courses to O.D.s along with numerous networking and social opportunities.

Of course, SECO means business, and we offer practice management from start to finish. Optometrists new to practice should check out the “Birth of a Practice Track.” Educational topics in this track will focus on getting a new practice up and running. Optometrists with more experience in practice can learn about new trends in management solutions in the “Cutting Edge Business Track” and “Protect Your Practice Track.”

SECO offers a wide range of clinical education tracks for optometrists. The “Decades Track” will venture through generational care. The “Fountain of Youth Track” will look at cosmetic surgery and contact lens advancements. Optometrists working with children can explore the “Kids and Beyond Track.” SECO also offers a variety of other special topic tracks to give optometrists the unique opportunities to obtain the CE they need to provide the best patient care.

In keeping with the SECO tradition of providing optometrists with the most innovative educational opportunities, the 2010 meeting will unveil our unique Symposium Series. Get the latest information directly from industry experts, and put it to use in your practice right away. Some of the most valuable education we obtain is not necessarily for credit, so come and enjoy a free breakfast or lunch and learn the latest at the same time. these exciting symposiums include:

Thursday, Feb. 11—8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.: “Clinical Partnerships: Understanding the Opportunities for Your Patients and Practice,” presented by Abbott Medical Optics (breakfast included).

11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: “A Perfect Fit for Optometry,” presented by Allergan; and “Value for Your Patients, Profit for Your Practice,” presented by CIBA Vision (lunch included).

Friday, Feb. 12—7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.: “Insights to Grow in Today’s Environment,” presented by Bausch & Lomb; and “Combining Modality and Material for Short- and Long-Term Ocular Health,” presented by Vistakon (breakfast included).

Saturday, Feb. 13—7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.: “Best Practices in Prescribing Vision Correction in 2010, Part I,” presented by Essilor; and “Best Practices in Prescribing Vision Correction in 2010, Part II,” presented by Alcon (breakfast included).

This year, SECO International has also expanded its presence in social media, adding most recently a Twitter account that it will use to provide the latest updates on SECO 2010, as well as its other upcoming continuing education opportunities and events. SECO International now relies on a spectrum of social media outlets that allows us to stay connected to the optometric community via a SECO Twitter feed, blog, Facebook page, podcast and electronic newsletter.

Also, you won’t want to miss the 100 Multimedia Educational Posters, which utilize the latest technology to enhance the learning experience. The Advanced Media Learning Center is located in the attendee lounge of Optometry’s Marketplace™ this year.

In addition to a world-class O.D. program, Optometry’s Marketplace™ will feature 275 leading industry companies providing the latest technology, equipment and products—everything an optometrist needs to build a successful practice. Bring your staff, as they will benefit not only from SECO’s exhibit hall, but also a comprehensive A.O.P. continuing education program geared to the needs of the entire optometric team.

SECO once again will feature numerous social functions and events that will allow you a chance to unwind and connect with colleagues. Mark your calendar for the opening reception on Wednesday night, which is sponsored by CIBA VISION. On Thursday, the Wine & Cheese Reception will be held in Optometry’s Marketplace™ to mark its grand opening, which is sponsored by Bausch & Lomb. Also on Thursday, you can have some fun during the Highland Hop, and don’t forget about SECO’s Saturday Night Party, featuring the sensational female recording duo “Bombshel.”

On behalf of SECO’s Continuing Education Committee, I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta!

Sincerely,

Paul C. Ajamian, O.D., F.A.A.O.
General Chairman
CE Committee