Richard Durocher, OD
ATLANTA—SECO International, a leading educational conference for optometrists and allied health care professionals, announced that Richard Durocher, OD, has become the SECO International president. Dr. Durocher officially accepted the honor last month during the House of Delegates meeting, held during SECO 2021. Dr. Durocher holds a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry. In addition, he holds an associate of applied science in respiratory therapy from Chattanooga State. Dr. Durocher has been practicing optometry in Tennessee for over 26 years, successfully operating six locations, serving more than 10 communities, under the Optometric Physicians of Middle Tennessee (OPMT Vision Centers) banner.

Dr. Durocher served as president of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians in 2005-2006 and the Middle Tennessee Optometric Society President from 2002-2003. He was also appointed to serve as the Tennessee Trustee to SECO in 2009. Dr. Durocher is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), College of Optometrists in Vision Development, Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, Southern Council of Optometrists, and the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians.
 
Dr. Durocher is committed to supporting the mission of the Southern Council of Optometrists/SECO in advancing eyecare worldwide through education, professional networking, and strategic partnerships, according to the SECO announcement.
 
“Our organization had to pivot to meet the needs of our members and stakeholders, and—because of the ongoing support of our members, attendees, industry partners and exhibitors, volunteers and staff—we were able to do so,” Durocher said. “As we continue to chart a course for SECO, we will stay mindful of the changes the pandemic has presented over this past year and look for more opportunities to evolve, in order to better serve our community, advance our organization’s mission and continue our success for the next 100 years.”
 
The annual SECO meeting is produced by SECO International, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Southern Council of Optometrists Inc. A nonprofit association founded in 1923, SECO boasts an approximate global membership of 25,000.