ATLANTA—Although the country’s lagging economy was certainly a topic of conversation at last week’s SECO International here, event organizers said the number of optometrists attending was about even with SECO 2008, which had a record total attendance of about 8,000.

Drawing ODs, paraoptometrics and other ophthalmic professionals to SECO—produced by a subsidiary of the Southern Council of Optometrists—were nearly 400 hours of continuing education credit as well as a Marketplace area with close to 300 exhibitors.

The theme of this year’s event was “Eyeway to the Future,” which outgoing SECO president Wilburn (Bill) Lord Jr., OD, said represented “SECO’s commitment to preparing the profession for the future and ensuring that optometry professionals are able to provide the best possible care to their patients.” During SECO’s House of Delegates meeting, Lord turned over the organization’s gavel to incoming president Jonathan Shrewsbury, OD.

Next year’s SECO International here will have earlier dates than usual: Feb.10 through14, 2010. Its theme will be “Embracing the Generations.”

Said Shrewsbury, “The 2010 program will feature education for generational care—from infant care to geriatric care. In addition, practice management topics will take attendees from starting a practice to preparing for retirement.”