AESTHETICS, LASERS AND SURGICAL AT SECO 2026
SECO 2026 is delighted to present a lineup of aesthetics, lasers, and surgical education opportunities designed to enable eye care professionals to hone their skills to stay up-to-date on current and evolving procedures. Whether you’re looking to master new techniques or refine your existing skills, SECO is your premier destination for cutting-edge continuing education and professional growth.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ASOS
Friday, February 27
9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, February 28
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Visit SECO’s Surgical and Aesthetics Skills Education Pavilion in Optometry’s Marketplace™ Exhibit Hall to learn how these procedures could be incorporated into your practice. Feature areas, hands-on interaction and educational presentations will include topics such as laser procedures, cryosurgery, Botox, anesthesia, Suturing, and Lateral Canthotomy and Cantholysis. Hear from industry experts how expanded scopes of practice may include these new opportunities to benefit patients through greater access to care.
ONE-ON-ONE TRAINING AVAILABLE
Sign up for personalized, hands-on training in:
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Nd:YAG Laser Capsulotomy
Suturing (surgeon's knot)
Periorbital Anesthesia Injections
| Course | Time | Title | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, February 27, 2026 | |||
| 182 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Cryosurgery for the Optometric Physician - PART I: Theory & Mechanics
OD AOA CE Hours
COPE SP
|
Richard E. Castillo, OD, DO, FASOS |
| 170 | 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM |
Iris Anatomy (no pre-registration required)
Not for CE Credit
|
Allison Ou, OD Elizabeth Wyles, OD |
| 171 | 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM |
YAG PI: How to Break the Block (no pre-registration required)
Not for CE Credit
|
Jeff M. Anastasio, OD, FASOS |
| 172 | 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM |
Plateau Iris: Don't Let it Fool You (no pre-registration required)
Not for CE Credit
|
Cliff Caudill, OD FAAO |
| 173 | 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM |
Performing Your First YAG Capsulotomy (no pre-registration required)
Not for CE Credit
|
Jeff M. Anastasio, OD, FASOS |
| 174 | 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM |
Managing Anterior Capsule Phimosis with YAG (no pre-registration required)
Not for CE Credit
|
Erick Henderson, OD |
| 175 | 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM |
NBEO Laser & Surgical Procedures Examination (LSPE®) Update (no pre-registration required)
Not for CE Credit
|
Jamie Althoff, OD |
| 183 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Cryosurgery for the Optometric Physician - PART II: Application & Technique
OD AOA CE Hours
COPE SP
|
Richard E. Castillo, OD, DO, FASOS |
| Saturday, February 28, 2026 | |||
| 180 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Interpreting the Biopsy Report - PART 1: Foundations for the Practicing Optometrist
OD AOA CE Hours
COPE SP
|
Richard E. Castillo, OD, DO, FASOS |
| 176 | 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM |
Anterior Chamber Angle Anatomy (no pre-registration required)
Not for CE Credit
|
Allison Ou, OD Elizabeth Wyles, OD |
| 177 | 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM |
SLT It's Really Not That Hard! (no pre-registration required)
Not for CE Credit
|
Cliff Caudill, OD FAAO |
| 178 | 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM |
Eyelid and Andnexa Anatomy (no pre-registration required)
Not for CE Credit
|
Allison Ou, OD Elizabeth Wyles, OD |
| 179 | 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM |
Emergent Canthotomy and Cantholysis (no pre-registration required)
Not for CE Credit
|
Richard E. Castillo, OD, DO, FASOS |
| 181 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Interpreting the Biopsy Report - Part 2: Advanced Histopathology and Clinical Decision-Making for Optometrists
OD AOA CE Hours
COPE SP
|
Richard E. Castillo, OD, DO, FASOS |
Ophthalmic Lasers
YAG/SLT combo lasers will be on display along with high-fidelity eye models whereby attendees may simulate performing three of the most common optometric laser procedures,
- Laser Station 1. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty for Open-angle Glaucoma is the most common optometric laser procedure performed today and is considered first-line therapy for most forms of open-angle glaucoma.
- Laser Station 2. Laser Peripheral Iridotomy is a true emergent procedure that can be effectively performed in the office setting.
- Laser Station 3. YAG Capsulotomy is the standard way of managing posterior capsular opacification and has been performed in optometric practices since the late 1980s.
Lateral Canthotomy and Cantholysis
This Emergent Procedure should be a part of every eyecare professional’s repertoire, or at least knowledge base. In the event of an emergency, such as a retrobulbar hemorrhage following trauma (including office surgery), this 15-second procedure can save the day and preserve someone’s vision! Stop by and learn how to diagnose a retrobulbar hemorrhage and, more importantly, how to manage one!
BOTOX Simulation
Learn how to treat conditions such as blepharospasm by letting our instructors show you how to prepare and deliver BOTOX injections in optometric practice. Then, take a moment to practice on our injection demonstration model.
Injections
Managing visual problems and eye diseases may require administering certain types of injections in specific situations. Medical knowledge and practices evolve over time, so stay up to date with the latest developments in injection techniques, medications, safety protocols, and best practices. Our team is here to help you hone your injection skills!
Paracentesis
Anterior chamber paracentesis is a specialized procedure common in the post-operative care of cataract patients and in an emergent setting. Paracentesis involves a balance between theory and hands-on practice, and we are ready to explain and demonstrate the procedure and give you the confidence to practice in our skills transfer wet lab!
Radiofrequency Surgical
Radiofrequency (RF) surgical refers to a medical procedure that utilizes radiofrequency energy to address various skin-related concerns. This minimally invasive technique has gained popularity in optometric practice for its ability to improve skin and remove many benign lesions along the periorbita with little trauma and downtime.
IPL
IPL is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-intensity light pulses to target and treat various skin and eye conditions. It works by delivering specific wavelengths of light energy to the targeted area, which can be absorbed by certain tissues, leading to various therapeutic effects. View an IPL demonstration and see how easy it is to utilize this treatment for your patients!
Suturing
Let our instructors demonstrate how to place a simple suture on a suture simulator model. We will guide you as you place a stitch and tie surgeon’s knots.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen is a time-honored method of lesion removal and a practical way to begin incorporating optometric surgical procedures into your practice. It is minimally invasive and requires no prior anesthetic injection. Let us show you the basic principles involved!
Gonioscopy for Laser Procedures
Practice visualizing the angle in preparation for laser trabeculoplasty.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY’S OKLAHOMA COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
NEW! Laser Procedures Certification Programs 2.0
SECO 2026 presents two updated 16-hour certification programs in partnership with Northeastern State University's Oklahoma College of Optometry.
The Laser Certification Program (February 25-26) covers laser physics, SLT and DSLT for glaucoma management, YAG capsulotomy and vitreolyisis techniques, with extensive hands-on workshops using actual equipment.
The Surgical Procedures Certification Program (February 27-28) builds confidence in optometric surgery fundamentals, eyelid procedures, lesion removal techniques, IPL applications, chalazion management, botulinum toxin protocols, intravitreal injections, and includes comprehensive hands on lab training for suturing, botox, injections, plasma pen for CCH, xanthelasma treatment, lesion removal, and more.
Version 2.0 offers updated content and new techniques not found at other meetings, with small group sizes for optimal learning and actual equipment experience.
Take one or both 16-hour training programs, but don't miss this opportunity to take your certifications to the next level (these certification programs also qualify for contemporary state licensing requirements in almost every state).
These are add-on programs.
You may add them during the registration process.
Injections, Incisional and Eyelid Procedures, & More for the Optometric Physician: Certification 2.0 $1,000
Anterior & Posterior Segment Lasers Beyond the Basics: Certification 2.0 $1,000
Add both for a discounted rate!
Anterior & Posterior Segment Lasers Beyond the Basics and Injections, Incisional and Eyelid Procedures, & More for the Optometric Physician: Certification 2.0 Bundle $1,750
Both programs feature expert faculty including:
| Course | Time | Title | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | |||
| 300 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Laser Physics, Hazards and Safety | Neal Whittle, OD |
| 301 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Laser Tissue Interactions | Nate Lighthizer, OD |
| 302 | 12:15 PM - 2:15 PM | Intro to Therapeutic Lasers Workshop | Nate Lighthizer, OD Neal Whittle, OD Jeff Miller, OD Komal Patel, OD |
| 303 | 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Gonioscopy: Interpretation & Advanced Techniques | Neal Whittle, OD |
| 304 | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Laser Therapy for the Open Angle Glaucomas: SLT and DSLT | Nate Lighthizer, OD |
| 305 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Laser Therapy in Narrow Angles and Angle Closure LPI & ALPI | Jeff Miller, OD |
| Thursday, February 26, 2026 | |||
| 306 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | YAG Laser Capsulotomy Standard Techniques | Nate Lighthizer, OD Komal Patel, OD |
| 322 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | YAG Laser Capsulotomy Advanced Techniques (Ant Caps, Multifocal IOL’s, Capsular Bag Distension Syndrome, Silicone Oil) | Nate Lighthizer, OD Komal Patel, OD |
| 307 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | YAG Laser Vitreolysis / Laser Floater Removal | Nate Lighthizer, OD Komal Patel, OD |
| 308 | 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM |
Laser Procedures Advanced Workshop YAG Capsulotomy Techniques • Laser PI/ALPI • SLT/DSLT • Advanced Gonio |
Komal Patel, OD Jeff Miller, OD Nate Lighthizer, OD Neal Whittle, OD |
| 309 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Review and Final Exam | Nate Lighthizer, OD |
| Course | Time | Title | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, February 27, 2026 | |||
| 310 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Intro to Optometric Surgery, Consents, Surgical Instruments, and Asepsis | Nate Lighthizer, OD |
| 311 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Review of Surgical Anatomy of the Ocular Adnexa and Eyelids | Jeff Miller, OD |
| 312 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Eyelid Lesions: A Thorough Overview | Nate Lighthizer, OD |
| 313 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Office-based Local Anesthesia | Jeff Miller, OD |
| 314 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Radio Frequency Surgery, Chemical Cautery, Cryotherapy, Xanthelasma Treatment and Lesion Removals in Optometric Practice | Nate Lighthizer, OD |
| 315 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Chalazion Management | Nate Lighthizer, OD |
| 316 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Botulinum Toxin Use in the Optometric Practice | Nate Lighthizer, OD Leonid Skorin, OD |
| Saturday, February 28, 2026 | |||
| 317 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Intravitreal Injection Techniques and Applications | Leonid Skorin, OD |
| 318 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Video Grand Rounds & Surgical Concepts of Lesion Removal, Eyelid Biopsy, RF Trichiasis Treatment, Cyst Drainage, CCH Treatment, Xanthelasma Treatment, Plasma Pen for CCH and More | Nate Lighthizer, OD |
| 319 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Intro to Suturing & Lid everting Sutures for Entropion | Komal Patel, OD Nate Lighthizer, OD |
| 320 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Suture Techniques Lab | Nate Lighthizer, OD Jeff Miller, OD Komal Patel, OD Neal Whittle, OD Leonid Skorin, OD |
| 321 | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
Lab Rotations Injection Techniques (Miller & Whittle) • Radiosurgical Techniques / Chemical Cautery / Cryotherapy / Lesion Removal (Lighthizer) • IPL / Plasma Pen CCH Treatment / Corneal Debridement (Patel) • Intravitreal Injections (Skorin) |
Jeff Miller, OD Neal Whittle, OD Nate Lighthizer, OD Komal Patel, OD Leonid Skorin, OD |
Aesthetic, Injectables, and other Workshops
SECO 2026 provides additional workshops designed to broaden your expertise. These targeted sessions focus on critical areas like lasers, injectables, aesthetics, and lid/corneal procedures.
| Course | Time | Title | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | |||
| 600 | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Hands-on Workshop - Cutting Edge Eye Care: A Showcase of New Technology | Chris Wroten, OD Shane Kannarr, OD |
| Thursday, February 26, 2026 | |||
| 601 | 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM | Hands-on Workshop - In-Office Surgical Procedures | Michelle Welch, OD Jeff Anastasio, OD |
| 602 | 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM | Hands-on Workshop - Custom Solutions: Scleral and Ortho-K Lens Fitting | Ashley Wallace-Tucker, OD, FAAO, FSLS, ABO Milton Hom, OD |
| Friday, February 27, 2026 | |||
| 603 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Hands-on Workshop - Making the Most of Aesthetics & Dry Eye: A Practical Workshop for Doctors of Optometry | Jeff Michaels, OD Walt Whitley, OD |
| Saturday, February 28, 2026 | |||
| 604 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Hands-on Workshop - Laser Vitreolysis, Capsulotomy, & Trabeculoplasty | Nathan Lighthizer, OD Chris Wroten, OD |
| 605 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Hands-on Workshop - Sports and Performance Vision | Amar Sayani, OD |