SECO International and National Academy of Opticianry Expand Partnership to Bring Optician-Focused Education to SECO 2023

NEW ORLEANS (March 11, 2022)—SECO International, the world’s leading annual conference providing eye care professionals with outstanding educational opportunities since 1923, today announced that it has expanded a partnership with the National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) to bring a dedicated educational track for Opticians to SECO 2023. The NAO, founded in 1963, represents Opticians worldwide and is dedicated solely to education and training of all Opticians.

“As we plan for SECO’s 100th anniversary celebration in March 2023, we are pleased to continue our partnership with NAO to deliver high-quality, in-person education opportunities for Opticians,” said Dr. Richard Durocher, president of SECO International, LLC. “With a shared mission of providing world-class education to eye care professionals around the globe, we look forward to collaborating with the NAO to identify world-class speakers, cutting edge topics, and exciting presentations to the eye care community.”

The NAO track at SECO will be directed by a new Committee created to bring new speakers and critical topics, including contact lenses, spectacle lenses and general opticianry education to SECO 2023. The sessions will include the profession's latest innovations, hands-on workshops, facilitated labs, and other engaging formats. In addition, networking and social events will be offered. This offering expands on a successful partnership between SECO and NAO to deliver online continuing education for eye care professionals. Over the past year, the two organizations have provided 33 hours of accredited continuing education webinar events for more than 900 Opticians and Contact Lens Technicians.

“Our partnership with SECO International has proven to be beneficial by providing high-caliber education and training opportunities for member and non-member Opticians of all levels,” said Russ Tolar, president of NAO. “As an organization, NAO is committed to identifying opportunities to expand and elevate our educational offerings and believe SECO is the ideal partner to do just that. We look forward to working together to deliver thought leaders and quality content through a focused track for Opticians at SECO 2023.”

SECO 2023 will take place March 1-5 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. For more information, visit attendSECO.com.

 

About SECO International

SECO International, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Southern Council of Optometrists, Inc., is a nonprofit association founded in 1922. SECO boasts an approximate global membership of 25,000. SECO’s year-round online education platform, SECO University, attracts eye care professionals from around the globe and offers on-demand and live continuing education, as well as other educational resources. For more information, visit www.SECOinternational.com.

About National Academy of Opticianry

The National Academy of Opticianry is a nonprofit association founded in 1963 and represents Opticians worldwide. The Academy is dedicated solely to the education and training of all Opticians. NAO covers all aspects of education and training from career preparation (internationally known as the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program), certification and licensing exam preparation and continuing education for beginner through advanced level opticians. For more information, visit www.nao.org.