SECO 2007 featured over 385 hours of continuing education, one of the largest exhibit halls in optometry and four nights of fun events. Attendees from around the country found Atlanta to be their education destination February 21-25, 2007. On behalf of the SECO International volunteers and administration, we hope SECO 2007 was a successful event for all who participated.

SECO International has announced Douglas C. Clark, OD, a practicing optometrist in Birmingham, Ala., as the incoming SECO President (picture left). Dr. Clark has served in the capacity of president-elect since the 2006 SECO Congress and assumed the presidency during the annual House of Delegates Friday, February 23, 2007 at SECO 2007. Dr. Clark was first elected as an officer to the SECO International Executive Committee in 2000, serving as an Alabama Trustee and following many years of active involvement in SECO. In 2002, he was elected to the position of secretary, and in 2006, he became president-elect of SECO International.
As incoming president, Dr. Clark has several major goals for SECO during his term. "I intend to uphold SECO's strong commitment to continuing education and patient care, further establishing it as the Education Destination for optometrists and eye care professionals," said Dr. Clark. "In addition, our focus will be on the entire optometric team and providing them with expanded courses and educational opportunities that improve their skills and capabilities, as well as patient care," he added. The other elected 2007 officers are: Dr. Neil Drasin, South Carolina, secretary; Dr. Ron Bannister, Georgia, treasurer; Dr. Jonathan Shrewsbury, Kentucky, vice president; Dr. Wilburn Lord, Mississippi, president elect. Dr. Sidney Stern is the immediate past president of SECO.

Prestigious awards were presented to three individuals for their significant contributions to the profession of optometry. Tom Griffith, OD, has been named Optometrist of the South. Susanne S. Cunningham, OD, received SECO's Young Optometrist of the South award, and Kathy A. Disner has been named Paraoptometric of the South.
"Every year, SECO recognizes three outstanding individuals for their enormous contributions to the optometry profession," said Sidney Stern, OD, president of the Southern Council of Optometrists. "This year, we are honored to recognize Dr. Griffith, Dr. Cunningham and Ms. Disner not only for their numerous achievements, but for profoundly impacting the level of optometric care patients receive today. They all are truly exceptional optometry professionals." The award winners were recognized during the House of Delegates meeting. On behalf of SECO International, congratulations to these award winners.