(PRESS RELEASE) ATLANTA, GA — SECO International, the host of the world’s largest continuing education meeting providing optometrists and ophthalmic professionals outstanding educational opportunities since 1923, brought their annual event for the first time to New Orleans, February 20-24, 2019, for five days of learning, trend spotting, networking, and discovery. As in previous years, the world-class event welcomed optometrists and ophthalmic professionals from across the country eager to put their profession and practice success first. This year’s event hosted a record number of first time attendees and realized an increase of optometrists and students.
SECO 2019 featured more than 400 hours of continuing education, a 33% increase over previous years. The SECO 2019 newly enhanced world-class continuing education program offered 70+ courses for ODs and AHPs, expanded CE credit opportunities and exciting new course formats.
“SECO 2019 hosted ophthalmic professionals in true New Orleans style as it provided them the best of leading-edge education, compelling networking opportunities, a dynamic show floor, and unmatched sights, sounds, flavors and more,” said J. Max Ernst, OD, president of SECO International, LLC. “SECO 2019 delivered on its promise to reimagine offerings and as a result, provided fresh new content and an inspiring platform to unite the community. SECO is steeped in education, but it is also rich in knowledge sharing and traditionally stokes the fires of our passion to serve. As I step into the role of president, I look forward to continuing to move the needle and strive for continued innovation.”
The wide array of education topics ensured that there was something for everyone, providing the latest and best practices and procedures for both treating patients and running a successful practice. Education was also present on the show floor. SECO’s bustling exhibit hall featured expanded in-depth content, increased networking opportunities and a robust education line-up. Whether learning about new products from exhibitors or participating in one of the Presentation Theaters, SECO made sure attendees met their business and professional goals.
Highlights include:
SECO accepted the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) as the 13th state to join the association—the first member state addition to SECO International since the 1940s. SECO also welcomed Colegio de Optometristas de Costa Rica as an associated international organization.
The See the Vision of Tomorrow forum provided insights on the current state of the optometric profession and the forces shaping its future.
An extraordinary breadth of visionaries shared their insights during multiple lecture options throughout the event; including Dr. Ike Ahmed, MD. Dr. Ahmed took the SECO stage for the very first time to discuss the latest developments with advanced microsurgical devices and techniques in glaucoma surgery, including indications, complications, and co-management.
MedPRO360, SECO’s healthcare business management program, focused on the ins and outs of what it takes to manage a thriving and growing practice, from profitability and disruptive technologies to private equity and improving patient loyalty.
Presentation Theater sessions provided attendees with real-life practical experiences and information on topics like diabetes, the myopia epidemic, patient acquisition and more.
Attendees explored the offerings of more than 900 leading brands and were able to get first-hand knowledge and hands-on interaction with the latest technology, products and styles.
Practice IQ delivered a deep dive into valuable topics to help professionals manage their office and business growth. Attendees got expert insights through the Practice IQ Eye-Cons Expert Series on topics like YAG laser usage, optical retailing success secrets and more.
The Eyedocs of Rock, a band of optometrists, performed along with special guests to raise money to support Optometry Giving Sight, a charitable example of how the eye care community is giving back.
In 2020, SECO will return to its Atlanta roots, back at the Georgia World Congress Center, March 4-8, 2020. For more information about the world’s largest continuing education conference for ophthalmic professionals, visit AttendSECO.com.