Vision 2004 Congress & Exhibition takes place September 3-6, 2004, in Johannesburg, South Africa. This meeting provides a great opportunity to combine continuing education with a trip to a destination renowned for its great warmth and vitality. The continuing education program runs September 3-6, and the registration fees include access to all lectures, workshops, the exhibition and social functions. The program covers all aspects of optometry, as well as sports vision and alternative health therapies. But most of all, Vision 2004 in South Africa is a wonderful opportunity to meet colleagues from other countries in an environment of mutual interest and respect. Vision 2004 has appointed Celafrica Tours as the official tour operator of the meeting. September in South Africa is the beginning of summer, and a wonderful time to be on safari. After attending the meeting, take time to sample some of the wondrous sites South Africa has to offer. Relax in luxurious hotel accommodations and enjoy a great meal and some of Africa's world-class wines.

Visit the website on http://www.saoa.co.za/vision2004 for more information on the Vision 2004 CE program as well as register online. To learn more about beautiful South Africa, visit the multitude of websites, many of which carry webcams right into the bush. For more information e-mail the Vision 2004 Congress Committee at pro@saoa.co.za.

SECO International 2004 featured a Friday General Session on Infant Vision, sponsored in part by VSP. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter opened the symposium by addressing more than 1600 attendees about the issue of early intervention in young children. President Carter has been a strong advocate for early intervention in infant eye care since his grandchildren were diagnosed with amblyopia. "We are proud to promote infant eye care with this specially designed symposium," stated Glen Steele, O.D., the CE committee member responsible for SECO's Infant Vision track. Drs. Glenn Steele, David Sullins, Jr., Carol Marusich, Ed Peterson, and Louise Sclafani spoke to a capacity attendance on the importance of infant eye care. The symposium was the feature attraction of SECO's infant vision track.

The results are in: SECO's new audience response systems are a big hit with attendees! SECO International 2004 featured three general sessions with audience response systems, which allowed attendees to interact with the speakers and create a dynamic learning environment. Dr. Paul Ajamian, chairman of SECO's continuing education committee was pleased with the results. "As a leader in continuing education for optometry, we are excited when new ideas are successful." Jim Vrac, executive director of SECO International, was also pleased with the results, "It is important to define new trends in learning and create an interesting environment in which to learn. SECO is dedicated to offering great education, and this is another success story for the organization." With such great participation this year, you can bet that response systems will be back for 2005!