Take advantage of SECO’s renowned educational programming, featuring a variety of in-depth, hands-on sessions designed to help you build your skills. Registration is FREE for all students and residents.
Join Our Student and Young Professionals Support Program!
Companies and individual practitioners can make a HUGE difference by helping students make the trip to SECO 2026. Check out the opportunities to do just using the link below.
TRAVEL GRANTS
Are you attending SECO 2026? We’re excited to offer $250 travel grants to help optometry students like you make it to the Congress. The grants are designed to help ease the cost of your trip, but spaces are limited, and we’re still determining how many we’ll be able to provide. Don’t miss your chance—apply today for the opportunity to receive one of these grants!
Important details: Grants are $250 each and will be available for pick-up in person during the Congress. Applications are open now, but availability is limited - apply early to improve your chances! The deadline for Student Travel grants is January 20, 2026.
SECO EXCLUSIVE!
Blended Part 1 SECO Student Board Review Program
We are excited to offer this rapid-fire, interactive prep course for all students, an excellent opportunity to assess your strengths and weaknesses as you prepare for Part I.
With a concentration in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology, the program consists of 14 hours, including 3 hours of concentrated review sessions at SECO 2026 on Saturday, February 28.
An additional 11 hours of content will be available on here on attendseco.com/students prior to SECO 2026.
Caroline Pate, OD, SECO Education Committee member, invites you to “gear up for Part 1 with SECO's Student Board Review Program. Whether you’re a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-year student, our program aims to equip optometry students with resources and knowledge to help you prepare for the national board exam. Join us for a program designed just for students - with intensive review, expert insights, and networking opportunities. Come to gain a head start, review key concepts, discover effective study strategies, or connect with fellow students. Don't miss this opportunity to maximize your exam preparation."
Students who previously used SECO for Board preparation shared:
"Hearing explanations from different professors in various styles was incredibly helpful in the weeks leading up to the boards."
"The speakers addressed a range of topics in innovative ways. It was a refreshing change for me!"
On-Demand (11 hours)
Ocular Pharmacology- 1 Hour
Dr. Bre McGhee
Systemic Pharmacology - 1 Hour
Dr. Bre McGhee
Anterior Segment - 2 Hours
Dr. Marc Myers
Emergency Cases - 1 Hour
Speaker TBA
Optic Nerve/Nerve Pathway - 1 Hour
Speaker TBA
Glaucoma - 1 Hour
Dr. Marc Myers
Optics Part 1 - 2 Hours
Diane Drake
Optics Part 2 - 1 Hour
Diane Drake
Accommodation/Vergence/Oculomotor Function/Amblyopia/Strabismus - 1 Hour
Dr. Marie Bodack
Live at SECO 2026 Congress
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Systemic Health - 1 Hour
Dr. Andrew Gurwood; Dr. Marc Myers
Retina/choroid/vitreous - 1 Hour
Dr. Andrew Gurwood; Dr. Marc Myers
Glaucoma Rapid Fire Roundup - 1 Hour
Dr. Andrew Gurwood; Dr. Marc Myers
If you have any questions, please contact education@secostaff.com.
FREE EDUCATION
Take advantage of SECO’s renowned educational programming, featuring a variety of in-depth, hands-on sessions designed to help you build your skills. Students and residents can attend sessions FREE OF CHARGE.
Registration is FREE for all students and residents.
Developed in partnership with the American Society of Optometric Surgeons, this dedicated pavilion in Optometry's Marketplace Exhibit Hall will feature a variety of FREE hands-on experiences designed to familiarize or update attendees with a variety of surgical, laser, and aesthetic procedures. Participants will benefit from hands-on guidance in an interactive environment. Through interactive stations, the SECO Surgical & Aesthetics Skills Education Pavilion will provide a platform where attendees will experience simulation training in several procedures, including Botox administration, suturing, laser procedures, and cryosurgery. Students are welcome to participate!
SECO 2026 Exhibit Hall, Optometry's Marketplace
Join us anytime!
Friday, February 27, between the hours of 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
or Saturday, February 28, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM.
SECO Professional Opportunities Recruiting Fair
Are you an optometry student or a recent graduate ready to discover the diverse career paths available in optometry? Join us at the SECO 2026 Professional Opportunities Recruiting Fair during SECO 2026 and connect with industry leaders excited to share their insights into the profession.
Participation in this event is required for Travel Grant Recipients.
Saturday, February 28, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
SECO 2026 Exhibit Hall, Optometry's Marketplace
Young Professionals' Forum Booth
Why Attend?
Meet with SECO member state association representatives:
Learn about opportunities in your area and connect with experts who can guide you on licensure and professional development.
Explore various career paths:
Discover the possibilities in private practice, military optometry, corporate optometry, industry roles, and academia - gain valuable insights into each field.
Network with professionals:
Build connections with seasoned optometrists, state association executives, and industry leaders eager to share their experiences and advice for your career journey. Ask questions and get real-time feedback about your career prospects, interview tips, and market trends.
Meet potential employers:
Network with top industry professionals seeking new associates.
Participation in this event is required for Travel Grant Recipients.
Join the Fun at SECO 2026: Social Events You Can't Miss!
SECO Showdown: Optometry Edition
Join the fun at SECO's Family Feud-style showdown, hosted by SECO's own Dr. Paul C. Ajamian! Watch as ten optometry students go head-to-head in a thrilling competition, battling it out for a chance to win a grand prize of $2,500!
Saturday, February 28, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: SECO 2026 Exhibit Hall, Optometry's Marketplace, Young Professionals' Forum Booth
Saturday Night at the Georgia Aquarium
FREE FOR STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS
Join us for an unforgettable evening surrounded by the Georgia Aquarium's stunning exhibits. Enjoy great food, beverages, and a special presentation as we explore one of Atlanta's most iconic venues after hours. Stay tuned for more details on timing and program highlights—this will be a night you won't want to miss!
Poster Program
See the latest optometric research and case reports from students, residents, faculty, and practicing optometrists at the SECO 2026 Multimedia Poster Program. These posters take advantage of technology to deliver a dynamic presentation that is far beyond the posters of old. Be sure to check them out inside the Optometry's Marketplace™. Presenters will be available for questions.
Attention Optometry Students! Elevate your learning year-round with SECO University—an immersive online portal offering unparalleled optometry education and resources. Gain access to a wealth of knowledge featuring diverse learning modules, expert insights, and exclusive content. Fuel your passion for optometry with our FREE annual subscription for students.
FREE Student & Resident Breakfast and Lunch Symposium
The Saturday, February 28 Breakfast and Lunch Symposiums provide an opportunity for students and residents to engage with industry leaders to discuss advances in ophthalmic healthcare while enjoying a complimentary meal.
Participation in these events is required for Travel Grant Recipients.
Educational Opportunities
Keynotes & Special Sessions
Free Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Symposiums
Networking with Industry Leaders and Practicing Optometrists
Local
Attractions
The Georgia Aquarium
The College Football Hall of Fame
The World of Coke
The Civil Rights Museum
The Atlanta Ferris Wheel
Special
Events
Alumni Receptions
Networking Events
Saturday Night at the Georgia Aquarium