You don't want to miss this year's Thursday morning session, "Dr. Know: Eye Care Today and Beyond." This special session, led by Dr. Paul Karpecki and Dr. Ben Gaddie, will reveal the latest advancements in ophthalmic technology and therapy, including ocular surface disease, glaucoma and advances in surgery. In addition, the course will provide a glimpse of what's on the horizon and how these new developments will change the way optometrists deliver eye care today.
Both widely-noted educators, speakers, authors and experts in the field of optometry, Drs. Karpecki and Gaddie will cover everything from the latest ocular surface disease research to the FDA pipeline of potential therapeutic medications. Participants will learn about new developments in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma and how optometrists will treat and control glaucoma in the future. In addition, this session will explore corneal surgical advances, including lamellar keratoplasty, DSEK and treatments for keratoconus.
One of the foremost experts in the field, Dr. Paul Karpecki has lectured in more than 300 symposia held throughout the world. As Director of Research for Moyes Eye Clinic in Kansas City, he is one of only 25 dry eye experts in the world to be invited to the Delphi International Society at Wilmer-John's Hopkins, a task force established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Ben Gaddie, a highly acclaimed expert in glaucoma, serves on the faculty at Northeastern State University College of Optometry. He also is in private practice in Kentucky where he specializes in glaucoma. Dr. Gaddie is co-author of the textbook, Primary Care of the Posterior Segment, which is the standard text used by students, residents and doctors worldwide.
This special session will be held during SECO 2007 on Feb. 22, 9 to 11 a.m., and is sponsored in part by Allergan. To register for the session, please look for the registration information online at www.seco2007.com. Registration opens on November 1, 2006.

SECO International is taking nominations for four prestigious awards that will be presented at SECO in February:
OD of the South - This award may be presented annually to a practicing optometrist who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the optometric profession. The recipient must be a member of the Southern Council and in practice during the year in which the award is presented. The President and President Elect of SECO International are not eligible to receive this award during their term of office. Past recipients of this award are not eligible to be nominated.
Please note: If you would like to enter your AOA "OD of the Year" nominee, all you need to do is forward a copy of your nominees paperwork as submitted to the AOA.
Paraoptometric of the South - This award may be presented annually to a non-optometrist who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the optometric profession. By tradition, this award has been given to someone who resides in one of the Southern Council states. No employee of the President or President Elect is in office. Past recipients of this award are not eligible to be nominated.
Award of Merit - This award may be presented annually to a non-optometrist who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the optometric profession. By tradition, this award has been given to someone who resides in one of the Southern Council states. Past recipients of this award are not eligible to be nominated.
Young OD of the South - This award may be presented annually to an optometrist who has been in practice less than 10 years who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the optometric profession. The recipient must be a member of the Southern Council and in practice during the year in which the award is presented. The President and President Elect of SECO International are not eligible to receive this award during their term of office.
Please note: If you would like to enter your AOA "Young OD of the Year" nominee, all you need to do is forward a copy of your nominees paperwork as submitted to the AOA.

The awards will be presented at the House of Delegates meeting on Friday, February 23, 2007. Anyone may submit a nomination. To do so, please submit your nomination in the form of a letter, describing the reasons why your nominee should be considered, to:
Awards Committee
SECO International, LLC
4661 N. Shallowford Road
Atlanta, GA 30338

All nominations must be received no later than December 15, 2006. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Thank you for your continued support of SECO International.

Review of Optometry is making it an annual tradition to share summer vacations with readers. For the past two years, Review has held educational conferences on the sunny island of Bermuda. This year, the group partnered with SECO International, who is working with the magazine to make the event an even greater success.
In July, more than 150 optometrists got together for a long weekend filled with fun, family, friends and, of course, education. The COPE-approved courses, led by some of optometry's biggest names, ended by 11:30 every morning, leaving the rest of the day for leisure. Some attendees rested at the pool or nestled their toes in the pink sand, while the more adventurous rented sailboats, scooters and jet skies. In the evenings, O.D.s had the option of re-convening for a cocktail reception.
"We have a superb recipe for success with this meeting and, with SECO's participation this year, it just got even better," said Amy Hellem, Review's editor-in-chief. "Plus, you really can't beat the opportunity to condense your required CE together with an outstanding family (or singles) vacation."
Watch for additional news about next year's meeting!