SECO International Announces 2026 Awards of Excellence Winners
Honoring leaders in optometry, opticianry, paraoptometric, and professional service
ATLANTA, GA — February 3, 2026 — SECO International is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 SECO Awards of Excellence, recognizing extraordinary individuals and organizations whose dedication strengthens patient care, advances professional education, and elevates optometry across the South and beyond.
"These award winners represent the best of our profession and our community. Their leadership, mentorship, and commitment to service reflect the values SECO celebrates each year - excellence, integrity, and impact."
— Dr. Tim Barry, President, SECO International
In Memory of Mrs. Lana Sandefur
Louisiana
SECO International is honored to present the 2026 President's Award in memory of Mrs. Lana Ruth Mynatt Sandefur, recognizing a life defined by compassion, faith, and unwavering support for family and community. Mrs. Sandefur was beloved for her warmth and kindness and was widely admired for the grace with which she supported those around her.
She also held a cherished place within the optometric community, where many affectionately recognized her as "First Lady" in Louisiana, reflecting the respect she earned through years of service and support. Her legacy continues through a memorial scholarship established in her name at the Southern College of Optometry, benefiting future generations.
Christopher W. Wroten, OD
Louisiana
SECO International is proud to recognize Christopher W. Wroten, OD with the 2026 Paul C. Ajamian, OD Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to SECO and the profession.
A Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, Dr. Wroten has contributed extensively through leadership in organized optometry and education, including long-term adjunct faculty roles and significant service to the Southern College of Optometry Board of Trustees, including as Chair.
David L. Parker, OD
Mississippi
SECO International is honored to present the 2026 Optometrist of the South Award to David L. Parker, OD, a distinguished optometrist and public servant recognized for more than three decades of dedication to optometry, advocacy, and community leadership.
Dr. Parker has built a thriving optometric practice and has also served the public through his long tenure in the Mississippi State Senate, where he held multiple leadership roles and contributed to initiatives strengthening healthcare and public welfare.
His leadership and advocacy have helped shape meaningful progress for the profession, including work supporting optometric scope advancement and improved patient access to care.
Jade Coats, OD, FAAO
Arkansas
SECO International is proud to recognize Jade Coats, OD, FAAO as the 2026 Young Optometrist of the South, honoring her remarkable achievements as a clinician, educator, author, and advocate.
Dr. Coats has been recognized as one of the nation's leading young optometric voices, with a strong record of leadership in organized optometry, national speaking engagements, clinical research involvement, and professional service. Her nomination highlights her clinical excellence, widespread contributions to continuing education, and growing national influence.
Judith Boyer Lew, LDO, ABOC
Florida
SECO International proudly presents the 2026 Optician of the South Award to Judith Lew, LDO, ABOC. Lew currently serves as Professional Development Director for EssilorLuxottica and is widely recognized for her longstanding dedication to education, professional training, and support of opticianry students and emerging leaders.
She has also served in leadership roles with the National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) and other industry organizations, further demonstrating her commitment to strengthening the profession. In recognition of her exceptional influence and service, Lew was awarded Vision Monday's 2023 Most Influential Women in Optical Award and received the 2024 Opticians Association of America (OAA) President's Award. Her impact across the optical industry—through advocacy, mentorship, and professional development—makes her an outstanding recipient of this prestigious honor.
Kimberly Pickle, CPOA
Mississippi
SECO International is honored to recognize Kimberly Pickle, CPOA as the 2026 Paraoptometric of the South, celebrating her exceptional dedication to patient care, practice leadership, and service.
Ms. Pickle serves as Office Manager at Southern Eye Care of Clinton and has more than a decade of experience supporting clinical care, patient services, and team leadership.
Her leadership includes service as President of the Mississippi Paraoptometric Association, along with continued contributions to paraoptometric education and community outreach, including vision health presentations and charitable initiatives.
Chad Robinson
West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians
SECO International is pleased to recognize Chad Robinson as the 2026 Executive Director of the South, honoring his outstanding leadership, strategic advocacy, and dedication to advancing optometric care in West Virginia.
Mr. Robinson has been credited with pivotal legislative and organizational accomplishments, including modernizing optometric scope and strengthening professional protections and membership initiatives. His efforts supported a landmark "as-taught" scope advancement, helping expand access to advanced optometric procedures for patients across the state.
Colegio de Optometristas de Costa Rica
Posthumous Recognition for Dr. José Francisco Bonilla Miralles
SECO International is honored to recognize the Colegio de Optometristas de Costa Rica with the 2026 Associate Member Award, presented in a posthumous tribute to Dr. José Francisco Bonilla Miralles.
Founded in 1966, the Colegio de Optometristas de Costa Rica is the institution responsible for regulating and strengthening optometry in Costa Rica, promoting ethical standards, continuing education, and protection of the public through qualified professional services.
Dr. Bonilla Miralles is remembered as a respected optometrist and admired leader whose career reflected long-term service and dedication to professional excellence and unity.
About SECO International
SECO International is one of the largest optometric education conferences in the country, bringing together optometrists, opticians, paraoptometrics, students, educators, and industry partners for continuing education, collaboration, and professional advancement.