It's time to submit poster abstracts for SECO International's renowned AMLC multimedia poster display at the 2006 congress. SECO invites all individuals interested in submitting an abstract for review to publish a poster at SECO International 2006. Poster abstracts are peer-reviewed by an appointed committee and opportunities are limited. Selected posters will be published at SECO 2006 and each poster will receive a $100 honorarium.

Visit SECO's online Poster submission website to upload your abstract. Abstracts must be submitted for consideration by October 15, 2005.

Here is a peek at two of the 83 SECO International 2006 education sessions designed for ODs:

SECO Special Session
Sorting Out the New IOL's
An entirely new "menu" of lens implants is now available to your patients, including multifocal lenses for cataract patients, toric lenses, and phakic IOL's. Which do you recommend? Who is a candidate for what lens? What is the OD's role in co-management? This course, with leading experts who are implanting and following these patients, will answer all these questions!

Supported in part by AMO. Thursday, Feb. 23, 1:15 - 3:15 PM, course 063.

AMO Lunch and Learn
21st Century Cataract Care
Cataract techniques are constantly evolving. Stay abreast of the latest advances by attending this special lunch and learn session, given by one of the country's leading high volume surgeons Dr. Jack Bierly, along with co-management expert Dr. Daryl Mann.
For your convenience, lunch is included in the course fee so that you can easily get to the afternoon session on time!

Supported in part by AMO. Thursday, Feb. 23, 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM, course101

Every year numerous opportunities to network are provided for attendees at SECO International. SECO 2006 will have many great venues for mixing and mingling with fellow attendees and leaders in the optometric industry.

One night that is known for social functions at SECO is Friday - the prime night to catch up with old school friends and colleagues at the many Alumni and Friend receptions being held at the Omni hotel at CNN Center. Many optometric colleges and universities have already begun planning these parties so be sure to check www.SECO2006.com for the latest listing of affiliate functions being held at SECO so that you can plan your time accordingly. RSVP for the events you want to attend and receive important information with convenient e-mail updates!

Don't miss out on sharing these great opportunities to enjoy food and drink with your friends and associates from around the country. Of course, the only way to enjoy networking at SECO is if you are there - so check the website regularly for the latest news and registration information. See you at SECO!

Because of its regional proximity to areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Southern College of Optometry (SCO) is offering assistance to its students, their families and to alumni affected by this overwhelming natural disaster.

Dr. Lisa Wade issued a press statement on behalf of SCO addressing disaster relief actions that SCO will implement in the near future. If you're an alumnus affected by Katrina or have been in contact with an alumnus or affected ODs, please email Dr. Wade at < a href="mailto:katrinahelp@sco.edu">katrinahelp@sco.edu. SCO is currently recieving many calls asking about SCO classmates and friends, and will provide an outlet to distribute important information about specific individuals. Many of those in need cannot recieve email, so if you have a phone number or alternate email where an affected SCO alumnus or OD can be contacted, please contact SCO with that information.

Test your diagnostic skills and see how quickly you can answer the question.

The purpose of DGR is to create a library of grand rounds that optometrists can research to improve their diagnostic skills. If you are interested in submitting a DGR of your own, you can submit your material online. Who knows, maybe your case will make it into Digital Grand Rounds!

This Month: CASE 131 Fire ants are mean.