SECO 2007 attendees who pre-register by February 2, 2007, are automatically entered in a drawing to win two free tickets to Monty Python's Spamalot, playing at the Fox Theatre during SECO 2007. Five registrants will be selected to win two tickets each for evening shows on Thursday, February 22, or Friday, February 23. Theater of the Stars and Broadway In Atlanta will perform a two-week engagement of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2005, Monty Python's SPAMALOT, at The Fox Theatre, from February 20 through March 4, 2007. Spamalot is a theatrical "rip off" of the cult classic, "Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail." This limited engagement is a hot ticket during SECO 2007. Visit The Theater of The Stars to learn more about this Broadway hit at the Fox. Visit www.seco2007.com to pre-register today!

SECO International 2007, one of the world's largest optometry events, will feature more frame styles than ever before in Optometry's Marketplace™. In response to attendee survey requests, SECO 2007 has added to its roster of exhibitors a number of new frame companies that will display the latest eyewear, including exclusive designer and couture styles.

As optical dispensaries are important to a successful and profitable optometric practice, SECO 2007 will offer several courses in the area of optical dispensary management this year. Courses range from successfully managing frame inventory to creating frame displays that capture greater interest and sales.

Courses focusing on frames and the optical dispensary include:
• "Frame Board Management" - Michael DiSanto, ABOM; 9:15 - 10:15 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 22.
• "Displays That Say Bling!" - Patricia Tolar, LDO, ABOC, NCLC; 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 22.
• "Frame Inventory Management" - Patricia Tolar, LDO, ABOC, NCLC; 1:00 - 3:15 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24.
• "Computerize Your Optical Dispensary" - Patricia Tolar, LDO, ABOC, NCLC; 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24

Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO
Director of Research, Moyes Eye Clinic, Kansas City, MO

Many of our allergy patients have challenges staying in their contact lens during the spring season. This may be because their eyes are continuously itching or the antihistamine they're taking is causing additional drying of the ocular surface. Patients are adamant about staying in their lenses even during the spring. Studies have already shown that oral antihistamines can be drying, but what about the ocular eye drops.

A study conducted in 2006 compared the Elestat® (epinastine HCl 0.05%) to Claritin® (loratadine) in a 4 day cross-over study. Several outcomes were measured including: tear volume, tear flow, and corneal staining. After 4 days of twice daily use of Elestat® there was NO change in tear volume, tear flow, and corneal staining. Elestat® had a remarkable neutral impact on the ocular surface. However, after 4 days once daily use of loratadine there was a significant decrease in tear volume, tear flow and an increase in corneal staining.

What this means for your patients that are contact lens users, those who have dry eyes or individuals that are taking any P.O. allergy medications, instilling Elestat® will soothe their eyes and not exacerbate the dryness they currently feel.

References
D. Andrew Workman, George W. Ousler, Gail L. Torkidsen M.D. An Evaluation of the Ocular Drying Effect of a Systemic Anthistamine (Loratadine) Compared to a Topical Anthistamine (Epinastine) Poster Accepted to ASCRS 2007.