ATLANTA—SECO International, an organization that provides optometric continuing education and professional development, has announced a call for nominations for its 2025 awards, to be presented here during the Southern Council of Optometrists (SoCO) House of Delegates on Saturday, March 1, 2025. These awards honor exceptional individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field of optometry, according to the announcement. Nominations must be submitted by November 30, 2024. According to SECO, nominations must include: the nominee’s name, award category, and state of practice; a letter outlining the reasons for the nomination; and the nominee’s biography or curriculum vitae (CV).

For more information, or to submit nominations, contact SECO at bfripp@secostaff.com. Optometric professionals and member states can submit nominations for the following award categories:

Optometrist of the South
This award recognizes an optometrist who has made significant contributions to the optometric profession. The recipient must be a member of SoCO at the time the award is presented. The president and president elect of SECO International are ineligible during their terms, and past recipients are not eligible for renomination.

Paraoptometric of the South
This award is presented annually to a non-optometrist who has demonstrated significant contributions to the optometric profession. It is typically granted to individuals from the 13 states comprising SoCO. Employees of the SECO president or president elect are ineligible during their term, and past recipients cannot be renominated.

Young Optometrist of the South
This award is given to an optometrist who has demonstrated significant contributions to the optometric profession and graduated from an accredited school or college of optometry within the last 10 years. Nominees must be members of SoCO during the year the award is presented.

Optician Excellence Award
This award honors opticians located within SoCO member states who have shown exceptional commitment, expertise and dedication in providing vision care services. Nominees should demonstrate the following:

  • Proficiency in opticianry, consistently delivering accurate prescriptions and other eyecare services.

  • Innovation in staying current with advancements in technology and eyecare practices.

  • Commitment to lifelong learning, engaging in continuing education and certifications.

  • High professional ethics, ensuring integrity and transparency in their practices.

  • Leadership and mentorship, contributing to the growth of the eyecare community.
Executive Director Award
This award is bestowed upon an exceptional executive director of a non-profit optometric association within a SoCO member state. It honors individuals who:

  • Exhibit exemplary leadership, guiding their association’s board, staff and members.

  • Develop and execute strategic plans aligned with their association’s mission.

  • Advocate successfully on behalf of the optometric profession, influencing legislation and policies.

  • Engage and retain association members while fostering a strong community.

  • Demonstrate financial stewardship, ensuring their association’s sustainability.

  • Encourage innovation, adapting to industry changes to enhance member services.

  • Foster collaborations and partnerships that benefit the profession and their organization.

  • Promote education and professional development for association members.
Associate Member Award
This award is presented to a non-profit international optometric organization that is a member of SoCO. It recognizes organizations that:

  • Align with SoCO’s values, particularly in delivering leading continuing education for eyecare professionals.

  • Execute impactful initiatives that benefit the optometric community worldwide.

  • Demonstrate strong collaboration with SoCO and external stakeholders.

  • Uphold high standards of transparency, ethical conduct and accountability in their operations.