SECO International elected a new slate of officers February 20, 2004, during the annual House of Delegates meeting at the recently concluded SECO International meeting. The new officers are as follows: Richard W. Phillips, O.D., President, of Johnson City, TN; Lowell H. Gilbert, O.D., President Elect, of Colonial Heights, VA; Sidney J. Stern, O.D., Vice President, of Fisher Island, FL; Douglas C. Clark, O.D., Treasurer, of Pelham, AL; Wilburn Lord, Jr., O.D., Secretary, of Greenville, MS; and William W. Spearman, O.D., Immediate Past President, of Pickens, SC.

1978 graduate of Southern College of Optometry, in-coming President Dr. Richard Phillips, was first elected as an officer to the SECO International Executive Committee in 2000. Dr. Phillips served as President of the Tennessee Optometric Association in 1995-1996 and as President of the Tennessee Academy of Optometry in 1989. He was awarded Tennessee Optometrist of the Year in 1998. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and presently is an active member of the Healthy Eyes, Healthy People committee of the American Optometric Association; he has served as Chair of the AOA's Professional Relations Committee since 2002. "I look forward to leading this organization, to continuing the pattern of growth we have enjoyed. Our mission to provide the best quality education for our colleagues and their staff has been successful because of the unselfish sense of teamwork among those who give of their time and talent," said Dr. Phillips. "The volunteers, staff and industrial partners of SECO International have repeatedly proven their dedication, discipline and determination in their efforts to provide the finest in optometric continuing education. It is a proud heritage we have; yet we are determined to constantly search for even more innovative means of enabling our professional colleagues to stay on the leading edge of optometric care."

Image: Dr. Richard Phillips

SECO International, LLC, announced the winners of three awards handed out annually to recognize significant contributions to the profession of Optometry. You may submit nominations for the 2005 awards by contacting Jim Vrac.

Optometrist of the South: John F. Amos, O.D., M.S., F.A.A.O., Dean of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, is the 2004 recipient of SECO International's highest honor. Dr. Amos is an accomplished educator with extensive honors for his contributions to the profession, including the American Optometric Association's (AOA) 1994 National Optometrist of the Year.

SECO International bestows the Paraoptometric of the South award to Janice Payne, CPO, a staff member of Dr. R. Kent Stribling's private practice in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Ms. Payne has worked in the same optometric practice for over four decades. She is the Charter Secretary of the Mississippi Paraoptometric Association and has served on every committee many times, and twice as the association's President.

SECO International bestows the Award of Merit to Mary-Jean Sanspree, Ph.D., of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. The Alabama Optometric Association nominated Dr. Sanspree.

Images (top to bottom): Dr. John Amos, Ms. Janice Payne, Dr. Mary-Jean Sanspree

SECO International 2004 concluded February 22, 2004. The congress was a huge success, and SECO would like to thank its attendees for their support in a congress that has lasted over 80 years. The support of the industry and professionals let SECO do what they do best - education. A full Exhibit Hall, popular educational courses, and social events that attracted large attendance, SECO 2004 had it all.

Attendees wishing to obtain information about the congress may still visit the SECO International 2004, which will continue to have information available for use until June 1, 2004. Attendees can download the brochure, approval information, contact information and more. Additionally, look for summary information next month when SECO will release information about the success of the congress!

Images (left to right): Jimmy Carter, Wynonna