A Glimpse Into the Future of Eye Care at SECO 2025

The Southeastern Congress of Optometry (SECO) 2025 will be hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, from February 26 to March 2.

The future of glaucoma care, myopia management, and dry eye treatments are some of the main topics attendees can expect insights in at this year’s Southeastern Congress of Optometry (SECO) 2025, hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, from February 26 to March 2.1

Each morning from February 27 to March 1 will feature hot topic breakfasts featuring a panel of experts, each focusing on predictions and overviews of different eye care spaces (glaucoma, myopia, and dry eye).

Additionally, experts will explore the expansion of eye care overall during the event’s keynote presentation, featuring Julie Rodman, OD, MSc, FAAO, chief of the Fort Lauderdale Eye Care Institute, and Lawrence Woodard, MD, medical director of Omni Eye Services.2 This discussion will explore groundbreaking advancements in eye care, including artificial intelligence (AI), wearable tech, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and surgical innovations. Attendees should expect to gain insights into emerging technologies shaping the future of optometry and ophthalmology.

To bridge the misinformation gap, attendees can attend a session debunking myths about ocular diseases, presented by Bobby Saenz, II, OD, MS, FAAO, co-founder of LASIK & Cataract San Antonio and an adjunct assistant professor at the Rosenberg School of Optometry. Saenz will tackle myths about posterior segment diseases and explore the latest research challenging conventional treatments in ocular disease management.

Saenz will also present on the use of oral medications in managing various ocular conditions, with a focus on treatment strategies, emerging updates, and clinical applications. Attendees will gain insights into the use of antibiotics, antifungals, steroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in optometric practice.

Providers who attend the meeting can pop in multiple presentations directed at improving managed care practices within ophthalmic facilities, including how to better incorporate AI systems and tools into practice, how to deal with difficult people and cultivate your care team, how to increase profit margins and quality of life with independent and luxury brands, overcoming language barriers in optometric practices, and more.1

Additionally, Lynn Eric Lawrence, Sr, MSOL, CPOT, ABOC, COA, OSC, leadership and staff development consultant, national lecturer, and an ophthalmic technician for Mills Eye and Facial Plastic Surgery, will lead a session on effectively communicating provider-directed dry eye treatments to patients.2 Sponsored by the National Academy of Opticianry and SECO International, this course will cover ocular anatomy, ocular surface disease, contributing factors, treatment options, and industry trends. Attendees will gain valuable insights into in-office and at-home treatments, product recommendations, and best practices for patient education and post-operative care.

Several workshops on laser therapy will be available, as well as presentations on what optometrists should know about prescreening techniques, cataract surgery, prescribing opiates for ocular pain, prescribing medications for pregnant patients with ophthalmic conditions, the growth of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medications, and the relationship between a patient’s sight and dyslexia.1

On the last day of the meeting, Breanne McGhee, OD, PhD, MEd, primary care and pediatric optometrist at Ochsner Health, will present on the obesity epidemic in the US and its impact on systemic and ocular health.2 The session will explore the role of optometrists in identifying obesity risks, addressing social determinants of health, and understanding obesity-related diseases. Attendees will gain insights into treatment approaches, including lifestyle modifications, medical management, and surgical interventions.

References

1. Official course listing. SECO 2025. Accessed February 25, 2025. https://heyzine.com/flip-book/14015d277f.html#page/1

2. Course finder. SECO 2025. Accessed February 25, 2025. https://attendseco.com/course-finder/