SECO International's mission is to advance eyecare world-wide through education, professional networking and strategic partnerships.
Connecting Eye Care Professionals for Over a Century
SECO International, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a not-for-profit association founded in 1923 and counts as its members, practitioners in the 13 southeastern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. In addition to the thirteen-member states, SECO associated members include national and international organizations such as the Armed Forces Optometric Society (AFOS), Association of Optometrists (UK), Federacion Colombiana de Optometras (FEDOPTO), South African Optometric Association (SAOA), Trinidad & Tobago Optometrists Association, and Colegio de Optometristas de Costa Rica. SECO International has evolved into a prominent platform for eye care professionals to connect, learn, and grow.
Every year, SECO International hosts a highly anticipated education Congress and year-round education Community (SECO University), attracting eye care professionals and vendors from both the national and international eye care communities. These education offerings serve as an exceptional opportunity for attendees to expand their professional networks, discover the latest advancements in eye care technology, and further their education through engaging workshops, seminars, and presentations.
The SECO annual conference is widely acknowledged as one of the largest optometric educational meetings in the world and is the Education Destination for:
Optometrists
Optometric Residents
Optometry Students
Opticians
Opticianry Students
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel
Optometric Technicians
Paraoptometrics
Practice/Business Managers
SECO International Leadership
These dedicated professionals volunteer their time to develop the SECO Congress and University. Their steadfast leadership and expertise ensure that our educational offerings are thoughtfully designed for the profession and crafted by the very professionals it serves.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Dr. Horace Deal
PRESIDENT
Dr. Tim Barry
PRESIDENT ELECT
Dr. Dave Rouse
VICE PRESIDENT
Dr. Matt Burchett
TREASURER
Dr. Brad Lane
SECRETARY
Dr. Michelle Cooper
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Howard Day
ALABAMA
Dr. Patricia Flippin-Westfall
ARKANSAS
Dr. Bryan Stam
FLORIDA
Dr. Ben Casella
GEORGIA
Dr. TeShawna Sutton
KENTUCKY
Dr. Jeff Anastasio
LOUISIANA
Dr. Mike Weeden
MISSISSIPPI
Dr. Michael Haines
NORTH CAROLINA
Dr. Michelle Welch
OKLAHOMA
Dr. Lori Roberts Hauser
SOUTH CAROLINA
Dr. Patricia Walker
TENNESSEE
Dr. Joe Droter
VIRGINIA
Dr. Shawn Sammons
WEST VIRGINIA
SECO International Volunteers
These dedicated professionals volunteer their time to develop the SECO Congress and University, providing a level of specialized expertise and leadership year-round. Our educational offerings are for the profession, by the profession!
Paul C. Ajamian, OD
GENERAL CE CHAIR
OPTOMETRIC EDUCATION
Paige Foster, OD (Chair)
Nate Lighthizer, OD
Caroline Pate, OD
Glen Steele, OD
Jessica Steen, OD
ALLIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION
Sharon Carter
Belinda Coberly, CPOA
Diane Drake, ABO/NCLE, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FNAO
REGISTRATION AMBASSADORS
Joel Byars, OD (Chair)
Ron Bannister, OD
Tom Griffith, OD
Martha Morrow, OD
AWARDS & RESOLUTIONS
Max Raynor, OD (Chair)
Christine Cook, OD
Richard Durocher, OD
EDUCATION AMBASSADORS
Len Brown, OD (Chair)
Mehrdad Saadat, OD
Jennifer Smith Zolman, OD
Seth Williams, OD
EXHIBITS
Freddie Mayes, OD (Chair)
Darby Chiasson, OD (Vice Chair)
Ronald Foreman, OD
Lynn Lawrence, CPOT, ABOC, COA
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Matt Burchett, OD (Chair)
Joe Droter, OD
Patricia Flippin-Westfall, OD
FUTURE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMITTEE
Neil Draisin, OD (Chair)
Ted McElroy, OD
INDUSTRY & PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS
Jonathan Shrewsbury, OD (Chair)
Amanda Brewer-Lord, OD
Susan Keene, OD
Vaughn Sanders, OD
INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH
Glen Steele, OD (Chair)
MedPRO360 EDUCATION
Ted McElroy, OD (Chair)
Neil Draisin, OD
Brianna Goodson, CPOA
Catherine Coleman Johnson, OD
Lynn Lawrence, CPOT, ABOC, COA
PAST PRESIDENTS ADVISORS
Stan Dickerson, OD (Chair)
All Past Presidents
RESERVE FUND
Michelle Cooper, OD (Chair)
Howard Day, OD
Trish Walker, OD
SECO UNIVERSITY
Walt Mayo, OD (Chair)
Roya Attar, OD
Juan Canizales, OD
Dean Gurley, OD
Charles Harrill, OD
Marc Hudson, OD
Robert McCullough, OD
Alice Sterling, OD
Tammy Than, OD
Terry Tucker, OD
SCHOOLS & COLLEGES OF OPTOMETRY OUTREACH
Christine Cook, OD (Chair)
Annette Bade, OD (NSU)
Kayla Campbell, OD
Terri Call, OD (UAB)
Eilene Kinzer, OD (UPIKE)
Komal Patel, OD (NSUOCO)
Shaleen Ragha, OD (SCO)
TECHNOLOGY
Derrick Thornton, OD (Chair)
Mollie Glenn, OD
Walter Mayo, OD
Adam Parker, OD
Kristin Sullins, OD
WORKSHOPS
Andy Cook, OD
Jim Herman, OD
Member States and Organizations
SECO is committed to partnering with our member State Associations and associate members to provide leading education worldwide. SECO International has formal relationships with 13 state optometric associations and five schools of optometry. We work together on issues, concerns and opportunities relating to optometric education. Within our 13 member states, SECO provides annual optometrist and paraoptometric grants totaling more than $40,000. Any practicing optometrist that is a member of the state association of any of these 13 member states is considered a member of the Southern Council of Optometrists and receives a $50 discount when attending the annual SECO Congress.
Alabama Optometric Association
Arkansas Optometric Association
Florida Optometric Association
Georgia Optometric Association
Kentucky Optometric Association
Mississippi Optometric Association
North Carolina State Optometric Society
Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians
Optometry Association of Louisiana
South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association
Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians
Virginia Optometric Association
West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians
Associate Members
Schools of Optometry
SECO International is committed to supporting Optometry students. Recognizing the importance of fostering the next generation of eye care professionals, SECO is proud to offer free registration to its premier events for optometry students and residents. This initiative aims to provide valuable educational opportunities, encourage collaboration, and help develop a strong network among future professionals in the industry. By investing in the success of these young minds, SECO International continues to demonstrate its unwavering dedication to advancing the field of optometry and promoting the highest standards of eye care for communities nationwide.
SECO provides:
$24,000 to optometry schools annually
$4,000 Scholarships/Grants
$5,000 Clinical Excellence Awards
University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry
147 Sycamore Street
Pikeville, Kentucky 41501
(606) 218-5250
University of Alabama School of Optometry
1716 University Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35233
205-975-2020
Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry
1001 N. Grand Ave.
Tahlequah, OK 74464-7017
918-444-4000
Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
3301 College Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796
800-541-6682
SECO is proud to have representatives from the following optometric schools attend our annual congress:
Illinois College of Optometry
InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry
Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University
Pacific University College of Optometry
Rosenberg School of Optometry
State University of New York College of Optometry
University of Missouri - St. Louis College of Optometry
Western University College of Optometry
Indiana University School of Optometry
MCPHS School of Optometry
New England College of Optometry
The Ohio State University College of Optometry
Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University
Southern California College of Optometry
University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry
University of Houston College of Optometry
History of the Southern Council of Optometrists
The Southern Council of Optometrists, also known as SECO International, is a non-profit association dedicated to providing leading continuing education to eye care professionals worldwide. With a rich history spanning over a century, SECO has grown into one of the largest education providers in the country.
In its early years, SECO focused on uniting optometrists in the southern region of the United States to enhance their professional knowledge and skills. The organization quickly established itself as a hub for innovative education, offering annual conferences that featured the latest research, technology, and clinical advancements in optometry. The annual SECO Congress became a flagship event, drawing eye care professionals from various parts of the country to learn, network, and discuss the future of optometry.
Over the years, SECO International expanded its reach and influence, forming partnerships with other optometry organizations, educational institutions, and industry representatives. These collaborations have allowed SECO to continue offering cutting-edge education and resources for eye care professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide the highest level of patient care. Today, SECO International is a renowned organization in the field of optometry, known for its commitment to excellence in education, practice management support, and the promotion of the optometry profession.
