Innovations at the 2026 Southern Council of Optometrists (SECO) Annual Meeting
The 2026 Southern Council of Optometrists (SECO) annual meeting held from February 25 to March 1 in Atlanta, Georgia, served as a vibrant gathering for eyecare professionals dedicated to exploring the latest advancements in the field. With a focus on industry innovations, the event featured more than 150 exhibitors and five days of rich continuing education (CE) sessions, including specialized programs in laser and surgical procedures.
Launchpad for Eye Care Innovations
Nestled within the Exhibit Hall at the Georgia World Congress Center was the Optometry’s Marketplace, where attendees got an exclusive first look at cutting-edge eye care technologies. This space became a hub for knowledge exchange, showcasing the future of eye care through products and services designed to enhance patient care.
Highlights of the Meeting
Let’s dive into a few of the standout moments from the event, although it’s worth noting that these highlights barely scratch the surface of what unfolded during the meeting.
Contact Lens Summit
The conference commenced with an engaging two-part Contact Lens Summit. A distinguished panel of clinical experts moderated by Milt Hom, OD of Canyon City Eyecare discussed real-world case studies and insights derived from recent research on contact lens fittings.
Featured experts included:
- Jennifer S. Harthan, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FNAP, Dipl CCLRT from the Illinois College of Optometry.
- Ashley Wallace-Tucker, OD, FAAO, FSLS, affiliated with Bellaire Family Eye Care and The Contact Lens Institute of Houston.
- Aaron Zimmerman, OD, MS, FAAO from The Ohio State University College of Optometry.
This segment explored critical topics including dry eye, scleral lenses, and multifocal lenses, providing fresh perspectives on managing these conditions effectively.
Thought-Provoking Keynote Address
The event continued to captivate its audience with a key session titled “Eye Care Reimagined: The AI Advantage.” Featuring a panel of key opinion leaders and moderated by Scot Morris, OD, FAAO, this address highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform clinical practice in the next decade.
The Role of Technology in Eyecare
The discussion centered on the integration of AI into clinical settings, viewed through various lenses:
- Audience engagement strategies
- Clinician perspectives
- Industry advocate viewpoints
Speakers encouraged practices to adapt their operations towards enhancing efficiency and value through technology. They outlined a five-year plan for leveraging AI, emphasizing continuous education and staff training as essential components for effective integration.
Addressing Current Challenges
Panelists also tackled the pressing challenges within eye care, such as patient intakes, clinical management, eyewear sales, and office administration. They identified common issues including disconnected data systems and a high cognitive load on providers.
AI as a Solution
AI was framed not just as a disruptive technology, but as an essential tool for improving patient care while allowing eyecare providers to focus on their primary duty—caring for patients. It was suggested that practices should adopt AI incrementally, beginning with areas where technological enhancements could yield the most significant impact.
A Wealth of Educational Opportunities
In addition to CE sessions, the meeting offered a range of educational opportunities, each aimed at enriching attendees’ knowledge and skills. Here’s a brief overview of these offerings:
- Laser and Procedures 2.0 programs which included hands-on training for advanced eyelid procedures and intravitreal injections.
- Surgical & Aesthetics Skills Education Pavilion, providing access to lasers, aesthetic devices, and surgical equipment.
- Cutting Edge Eyecare workshop, showcasing three innovative technologies.
- Specialized training programs like the Basic Optics & Optician Training (BOOT Camp) aimed at cross-training new optical staff.
Vibrant Exhibit Hall
The Exhibit Hall opened its doors on Friday morning, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by SECO President Tim Barry, OD. Dr. Barry emphasized the importance of innovation and cooperation among industry partners to to foster education and technology in the field.
Shining Stars among Exhibitors
Among the impressive lineup of over 150 exhibiting companies, two particularly stood out:
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Tenpoint Pharmaceuticals, which celebrated the FDA’s recent approval of YUVEZZI—the first dual-agent eye drop for presbyopia. With a unique formulation, YUVEZZI holds promise for patients facing age-related vision issues.
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Alcon, known for its innovative products, recently introduced the TOTAL30 contact lens, featuring proprietary water gradient technology specifically designed for astigmatic presbyopes.
Looking Ahead to SECO 2027
Plans are already underway for next year’s SECO event, which is scheduled for March 2-7, 2027, back in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. As the community gears up for another round of learning and networking, there’s no doubt that the future of eye care will continue to evolve, with innovation and collaboration at its core.
Explore further details and highlights from the 2026 gathering for a deeper understanding of the advancements taking shape in the optometric world. The journey towards enhanced patient care remains ongoing, with each SECO meeting paving the way for new ideas and technologies to flourish.
