Award Nominations
SECO 2025 Award Nominations Open Now!
Recognize Leaders in Optometry and Vision Care Excellence
The SECO International Awards celebrate the most distinguished professionals and organizations in optometry. Nominate an inspiring individual or organization whose contributions have significantly impacted the field of eye care. Selected honorees will be celebrated at SECO 2025 during the SoCO House of Delegates on March 1, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Deadline for Nominations:
Nominations must be submitted by November 30, 2024. Nominations must include:
- The nominee’s name, award category, and state of practice.
- A letter outlining the reasons for the nomination.
- The nominee’s biography or curriculum vitae (CV).
Optometrist of the South
This award recognizes an optometrist who has made significant contributions to the optometric profession. The recipient must be a member of the Southern Council of Optometrists at the time the award is presented. The President and President-Elect of SECO International are ineligible during their terms, and past recipients are not eligible for re-nomination.
Paraoptometric of the South
Presented annually to a non-optometrist who has demonstrated significant contributions to the optometric profession. This award is typically granted to individuals from the 13 states comprising the Southern Council of Optometrists. Employees of the SECO President or President-Elect are ineligible during their term, and past recipients cannot be re-nominated.
Young Optometrist of the South
This award is given to an optometrist who has demonstrated significant contributions to the optometric profession and graduated from an accredited school or college of Optometry within the last ten years. Nominees must be members of the Southern Council of Optometrists during the year the award is presented.
Optician Excellence Award
This prestigious award honors opticians located within SoCO member states who have shown exceptional commitment, expertise, and dedication in providing vision care services.
Proficiency in opticianry, consistently delivering accurate prescriptions and other eye care services.
Innovation in staying current with advancements in technology and eye care practices.
Commitment to lifelong learning, engaging in continuing education and certifications.
High professional ethics, ensuring integrity and transparency in their practices.
Leadership and mentorship, contributing to the growth of the eye care community.
Executive Director Award
This award is bestowed upon an exceptional Executive Director of a non-profit optometric association within a SoCO member state. It honors individuals who:
Exhibit exemplary leadership, guiding their association’s board, staff, and members.
Develop and execute strategic plans aligned with their association’s mission.
Advocate successfully on behalf of the optometric profession, influencing legislation and policies.
Engage and retain association members while fostering a strong community.
Demonstrate financial stewardship, ensuring their association’s sustainability.
Encourage innovation, adapting to industry changes to enhance member services.
Foster collaborations and partnerships that benefit the profession and their organization.
Promote education and professional development for association members.
Associate Member Award
This award is granted to a non-profit international optometric organization that is a member of SoCO. It recognizes organizations that:
Align with SoCO’s values, particularly in delivering leading continuing education for eye care professionals.
Execute impactful initiatives that benefit the optometric community worldwide.
Demonstrate strong collaboration with SoCO and external stakeholders.
Uphold high standards of transparency, ethical conduct, and accountability in their operations.
SECO 2025 Award Nominations
SECO International is pleased to announce the call for nominations for its prestigious 2025 awards, to be presented during the Southern Council of Optometrists (SoCO) House of Delegates on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. These awards honor exceptional individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field of optometry.