SECO Certificate Programs

403 The Importance and Value of Joining Study Groups

Adam Cmejla, CFP

2/26/2025

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

In this one-hour session, participants will learn how to harness the power of study groups for business success. Drawing on Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow Rich, as well as Willpower by Baumeister and Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, the session explores how study groups can enhance growth by providing accountability, collective wisdom, and focus. Participants will also learn how to form and lead study groups that drive results for their practices.

405 Team Investment: Why Should I Invest in People if They’re Just Going to Leave?

Joy Gibb, ABOC

2/27/2025

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

When you invest in training and educating team members it can feel like a risk, in money, time, team morale, and that the team member may take that training and leave your practice to work someone else. But what happens if you don’t invest team members? This course will explore the benefits of team investment and how to protect the investment you’ve made.

404 Facilitated Learning Lab - Coaching Strategies to Develop Your Dream Team!

Heidi Bell, OD; Katie Davis, OD

2/27/2025

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Success in private practice often hinges on the effectiveness of the team behind it. This course is intended for individuals who embrace a growth mindset and will provide practical strategies and techniques for immediate implementation. Participants can expect to gain insights that lead to greater joy and financial success in their practice management roles.

407 Think Like a CEO: Making Your Business More Profitable

Heidi Bell, OD; Katie Davis, OD

2/27/2025

3:45 PM - 5:45 PM

Reframing your role from business owner to CEO enables a more proactive approach to managing your private practice. This course will outline essential pillars of success from a CEO’s perspective, providing strategies to enhance management practices, drive profitability, and lead with a strategic vision.

412 Facilitated Learning Lab - Staff Hiring + Engagement = Motivation & Retention

Mike Guelcher, MBA; Susan Keene, OD

2/28/2025

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Today’s healthcare environment presents an ongoing challenge to attract and retain top talent. In this workshop, get ready to dive into great interactions with your colleagues around the challenges faced and how to address them proactively. Expect to come away from this session with transferrable tools that will equip you to begin making an immediate difference in your practice.

415 How to Embrace and Implement Change

Sharon Carter

3/1/2025

10:45 AM - 12:45 PM

This class will show you the importance of change, who needs to change and why we need to change. If all you do is acknowledge you need to change you never get to reap the benefits of the growth change creates. This class incorporates an implementation process customized for your office to create the change you desire.

416 Understanding Complacency and Quiet Quitting and What To Do About It

Mike Guelcher, MBA

3/1/2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

The cost of low engagement in healthcare is a prevalent issue. Research shows that only 23% of people are highly engaged in their work, 59% are quietly quitting and 18% are actively disengaged. For any practice, this affects many aspects, including the bottom line. Leaders should not only understand why, but more importantly what to do about it.

419 Just Ship It: Don’t Let Perfect Get in the Way of Getting Things Done

Haley Perry, OD

3/1/2025

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

In this AI-focused session, discover how to leverage artificial intelligence to streamline your workflow and overcome perfectionism. Learn practical ways to use AI tools to automate tasks, enhance efficiency, and make data-driven decisions in your practice. Whether it’s patient communication or marketing strategies, you’ll leave equipped to implement AI immediately, without waiting for perfection.

408 Facilitated Learning Lab - Frame Board Merchandising

Kayla Ashlee, ABOC, NCLE

2/27/2025

3:45 PM - 5:45 PM

Most have a hard time visualizing how they could merchandise their optical differently. Think of small shops you’ve visited where you wanted to stay and linger a little longer. That feeling is a result of ideal retail merchandising. It creates an energy and experience. And it is being created in independent opticals everywhere! We’ll walk through optimizing your optical through frame inventory management and merchandising that will keep your patients wanting to stay and shop.

730 Increase Profit Margins and Quality of Life Through Independent and Luxury Brands

Saeed Andy Tabrizipour

2/28/2025

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

708 MBA Methods to Frame Inventory Management

Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, LDO, NCLEC

2/28/2025

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

Achieving the highest return on investment for optical inventory is an essential goal. Strategic thinking and meticulous planning are key to achieving consistent positive outcomes. Master Optician Phernell Walker will guide you through proven strategies around inventory planning, staging, supply chain management, tracking, and inventory adjustment. Learn how to calculate inventory turnover, days on hand, pricing strategies, COGS, and more. This course is essential for anyone looking to master optical inventory management.

410 Your Frame Markup is Limiting Your Profitability

Kayla Ashlee, ABOC, NCLE

2/28/2025

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

There is not a standard class offered in our optometric training on proper retailing of frame inventory. When it comes to pricing many are guessing and hoping they make money in the end. Good news! There is a retail science of how to properly price and merchandise your frames. Join in and open the opportunities in your optical with simple adaptations you can start making on Monday morning.

803 Hands-on Workshop - Frame Adjustment

Diane Drake, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FNAO, Russ Tolar, ABOC

3/1/2025

10:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Opticians and technicians alike are often tasked with not just fitting eyewear but adjusting and often repairing eyewear. The ability of performing a “great” adjustment is often the reason why your patients are loyal to “you”. Understanding frame materials and design will be discussed. This workshop will give instruction on various scenarios of adjusting eyewear.

731 The Next Level In Multiple Frame Sales - Eyewear Wardrobes

Stephanie Kannage

3/1/2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

501 SECO Contact Lens Summit Part I - The Business of Contact Lenses: Boosting Practice Growth, Patient Satisfaction, and Profits

Moderators: Jason Jedlicka, OD; Melissa Barnett, OD / Panelists: Jason Compton, OD; Caity Morrison, OD; Roxanne Achong-Coan, OD

2/26/2025

12:15 PM - 2:15 PM

This lecture is designed to empower eye doctors and their teams to maximize the success of their contact lens practices. Participants will learn advanced methods for enhancing patient satisfaction and loyalty, improving practice management, and utilizing the latest contact lens technologies. The course will explore targeted marketing strategies for contact lens practices, effective communication skills, and operational tips to boost profitability.

502 SECO Contact Lens Summit Part II - Defeating Dropouts: Optimizing Contact Lenses for Ongoing Success

Moderators: Jason Jedlicka, OD; Melissa Barnett, OD / Panelists: Jason Compton, OD; Caity Morrison, OD; Roxanne Achong-Coan, OD

2/26/2025

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Despite advancements in contact lens technologies, many individuals discontinue contact lens wear due to discomfort, dryness, and unmet vision needs. This lecture provides insights into defeating dropouts, keeping individuals happy in contact lenses by optimizing comfort and vision. Attendees will gain practical tools and knowledge to retain current patients, gain new patients, and promote sustained growth in their contact lens practice.

111 Scleral Lens Fitting from Start to Finish

Jason Jedlicka, OD

2/27/2025

10:45 AM - 12:45 PM

This course will cover the indications for scleral lenses, the basics of scleral lens fitting, including initial lens selection with or without technology, application and removal, lens assessment and parameter modification, and some of the controversies that exist in the scleral lens field among fitters.

201 Scleral Lens Fitting Workshop

Melissa Barnett, OD; Jason Jedlicka, OD

2/28/2025

10:45 AM - 12:45 PM

This two-hour presentation is an interactive, workshop format where basic principles of scleral lenses are discussed. A didactic portion is followed by hands-on practice with the application, removal, and fitting of scleral lenses. Instructors will provide guidance and hands-on fitting experience using scleral lenses from several different lens companies.

702 Balancing Prism

Speaker: Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FCLSA, FNAO

2/27/2025

10:45 AM - 12:45 PM

This program will begin with a basic introduction to prism. The distinction between prescribed prism and induced prism (good vs. bad), will be presented, leading to Prentice’s rule. Common effects of induced prism with also be presented, prior to the main topic of discussion – prismatic imbalance. A step-by-step guide for calculating vertical imbalance at the near point will then be provided; methods to compensate for vertical imbalance will be discussed; specifically, slab off.

704 The Dynamics of Lens Power

Speaker: Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FCLSA, FNAO

2/27/2025

1:45 PM - 3:45 PM

This program will begin with a basic introduction to prism. The distinction between prescribed prism and induced prism (good vs. bad), will be presented, leading to Prentice’s rule. Common effects of induced prism with also be presented, prior to the main topic of discussion – prismatic imbalance. A step-by-step guide for calculating vertical imbalance at the near point will then be provided; methods to compensate for vertical imbalance will be discussed; specifically, slab off.

705 How Wrap, Vertex, Tilt, and Lens Materials Impact Vision

Speaker: Brent McCardle, ABOM

2/27/2025

3:45 PM - 5:45 PM

In this course we will learn why using manufacturer default position of wear measurements are not allowing the consumer to get the most of their lenses.

709 Analyzing Chromatic Aberrations: Does it Affect Vision?

Speaker: Brent McCardle, ABOM

2/28/2025

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

In this course we will investigate chromatic aberrations and how they are determined. We learn why it is important to recure chromatic aberration and how we can do this.

711 Principles of Visual Assessment for Opticians and Technicians

Speaker: Diane Drake, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FNAO

2/28/2025

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

This course will introduce the participant to the principles of a visual assessment to include refraction, describing information gathered/history taking and the workflow process. Topics covered will include definitions, A&P, refractive errors, instrumentation, visual acuity, objective and subjective findings and binocular balancing.

714 I’m a Presbyope, What Now?

Speaker: Brent McCardle, ABOM

2/28/2025

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

In this course we will learn what products are available to presbyopia and how you can use or mix different products to achieve the best outcome for the patient.

716 Lensometry for Opticians and Technicians

Speaker: Thomas Neff, MA, LDO, ABO-AC, NCLE-AC

3/1/2025

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

This course is meant to help with the theory of use with the Lensometer. There will not be any hand-on. It will help supplement the workshop courses being offered.

720 Here’s the Spectacles (Problem), Give Me the Solution

Speaker: Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, LDO, NCLEC

3/1/2025

10:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Opticians and optometrists play a crucial role in addressing patient complaints, making effective troubleshooting skills essential. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the CC/HPI and SOAP frameworks, equipping participants with the tools to analyze and resolve complex issues systematically. By applying these methodologies, participants will enhance their problem-solving abilities, improve patient outcomes, and foster better communication with clients. Join us to develop the skills necessary for effective clinical practice and patient care.

722 AI vs the Optician: Fact or Fiction

Speaker: Jackie O’Keefe, ABOC

3/1/2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

For this course, 3 PowerPoints were created using AI. The topics chosen are add-ons that we recommend to our patients daily; Premium Anti-Reflective Treatment, Polarization and Variable Tint Lenses (aka photochromics). The results were very interesting, yet not 100% spot on. This course will review what AI created and compare it to ECP knowledge. Come and join us as we drill deep into these technological advancements.

723 Put A Lid On It: Anatomy of The Technicians Role in Ocular Lids

Speaker: Lynn Lawrence, MSOL, CPOT, ABOC, COA, OSC

3/1/2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

This course teaches anatomy of the eyelid, common functional defects with the eyelid, diseases terminology of the eyelid and common surgery terminology associated with the eyelid. This lecture is a graphic pictorial of the eyelid and its function.

725 What is Binocular Vision and What Affects It?

Speaker: Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, LDO, NCLEC

3/1/2025

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Binocular vision is the coordinated function of both eyes to produce a unified visual perception, crucial for depth perception and a comprehensive understanding of our environment. Proper alignment and focus allow the brain to merge slightly different images from each eye, creating a three-dimensional view. This course explores the significance of binocular vision in daily activities like reading, driving, and sports, highlighting its critical role in accurate depth perception.

726 Professor Abbe: What Does It Teach Us?

Speaker: Jackie O’Keefe, ABOC

3/2/2025

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Professor Ernst Karl Abbe (1840–1905) was a German physicist, known for his work in optics. He defined the amount of chromatic aberration in ophthalmic lenses, known as Abbe Values. For over 1.5 centuries, Abbe values play an important role in improving visual acuity by eliminating chromatism. Why is this important to us as ECPs? It enables us to offer an optical solution that not only provides clear vision, but also comfortable vision.

727 Identifying Ophthalmic Lenses Without a Lensometer

Speaker: Jackie O’Keefe, ABOC

3/2/2025

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Ophthalmic lenses possess unique properties like thickness, pitch, movement, segments, specific gravity, tensile strength and ABBE Values to name a few. What if you could identify some of these properties without a lensometer? This course drills deep and explores the unique properties of plus, minus, cylinder, multifocal, progressive, prism and a plethora of lens material choices offered today. Come and join us as we explore the unique properties of ophthalmic lenses.

113 Ocular Health Complications in TBI

Speaker: Jaci Theis, OD

2/27/2025

3:45 PM - 5:45 PM

This course gives a comprehensive review of ocular health complications in traumatic brain injury including traumatic cranial nerve palsies (III, IV, V, VI, VII), TBI-related dry eye and retinal/optic nerve disorders. It will describe the signs, symptoms, and treatment for each condition.

62 Hot Topic Breakfast - The Future of Myopia Management: Perspectives from Leading Experts

Speakers: Katherine Weise, OD; Brianna Rhue, OD; Debbie Jones, OD; Safal Khanal, OD

2/28/2025

8:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Dive into the latest findings from the 2024 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report on myopia. With 14 months of work and decades of research, this comprehensive report sheds light on the rising incidence of myopia, its pathogenesis, and treatment advancements. Leading optometrists and researchers explore practical applications of the report’s insights and discuss how to translate groundbreaking research into clinical practice. Topics include novel treatments, optical interventions, pharmacological approaches, and more.

126 Vision’s Role in Reading and Dyslexia

Speaker: Katie Davis, OD

2/28/2025

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

This course explores the world of reading development and disorders. It reveals the inner workings of Structured Literacy and highlights its powerful instructional methods. The discussion includes the impact of visual deficits in dyslexia, uncovering how issues with visual attention and neural connectivity can affect reading comprehension. Finally, it examines innovative remediation strategies, including Orton-Gillingham and vision therapy, designed to tackle complex reading challenges and enhance literacy skills.

138 Concussion Management: What to Do and When to Refer

Speaker: Heidi Bell, OD

2/28/2025

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

This specialized course will teach the basics of concussion management from a primary eye care setting and provide optometrists with essential knowledge and skills to effectively manage concussions and their visual sequelae from the primary care chair. This course provides a general framework for how to recognize the symptoms, provide appropriate treatment options and when to refer for Optometric Visual Rehabilitation/VT.

146 Understanding Brain Injuries in the Primary Eye Care Setting

Speaker: Megan Lott, OD

3/1/2025

10:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Understanding and managing brain injuries in the primary eye care setting is essential, as optometrists frequently encounter patients with visual symptoms resulting from these injuries. Enhancing your ability to identify and care for these patients can significantly improve their quality of life. Join us to learn how optometrists can better approach this critical aspect of patient care.

152 Low Vision for the Primary Care Optometrist

Speaker: Megan Lott, OD

3/1/2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Managing and caring for patients with low vision is a critical aspect of optometry that every practitioner will encounter. Providing excellent care involves not only understanding the unique needs of these patients but also staying informed about the latest advancements in low vision devices and technologies. Learn how you can enhance your approach to caring for patients with low vision and see what is currently available to this population.