ICYMI: Highlights From SECO 2025

Our content coverage from the Southeastern Educational Congress of Optometry (SECO) 2025 provided information on a mix of topics, including updated research on alternative methods for dry eye, advances in technology for treating ocular conditions, and other cutting-edge eye care technologies highlighted in panels held during the meeting.

Find our conference coverage here.

5. New Research Covers Alternative Method of Treating Dry Eye

In a video interview with Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, a partner at Premier Vision Group, Brujic discussed the research he planned to present at SECO 2025. The research was a case series on patients who were treated for dry eye. This series compared patients who used the rod-type intracanalicular plugs to treat their dry eye vs a novel gel made of sodium hyaluronate. Corneal staining improved dramatically in those who used the gel. These results, said Brujic, could introduce the gel as a standalone or supplemental treatment to dry eye efforts. Brujic also explained how light therapy can help patients manage their eye conditions, including how it’s evolved over the years.

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4. Future of Myopia Involves Catching It Earlier, Utilizing New Technologies

In a video interview, Brianna Rhue, OD, FAAO, co-founder of West Broward Eyecare, discussed the ways that myopia management has changed. This includes new forms of treatment and how providers have a hand in getting treatment for myopia early. Rhue went over her contribution to the myopia session that she participated in at SECO, where she discussed how to integrate myopia management into practices. She emphasized that the future of myopia requires that all children get eye exams as early as possible, even at the age of 3 years. Delaying the onset of myopia should be a top priority, including determining surgical candidates for LASIK as early as possible.

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3. Tech Advances for Ocular Conditions Could Revolutionize Care

Ocular technology was among the key themes of SECO 2025, with research highlighting wearable ocular technologies like head-mounted devices, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered smart glasses, and low-vision aids. In this article carousel, the different types of technologies were highlighted, and descriptions of what new information can be found on these new offerings were given. Wearable glasses have added the capability to make phone calls, send text messages, and take pictures, as well as connect to a network that allows patients with low vision to get a sighted volunteer to provide guidance. Corneal infiltrates were also detected with use of optical coherence tomography in a study, which allowed for timely intervention.

Read the article here.

2. Inclusive Communication the Key to Better Eye Care

Providing eye care patients with effective communication, accessibility, and cultural competence is vital to addressing language barriers when treating a patient. A presentation at SECO 2025 focused on how the US has a vast number of people who have limited English proficiency, at 1 in 15 individuals. Tasking the family members to be interpreters is not always a perfect solution, as it can take an emotional toll on that member of the family, especially if they are children. Scheduling interpreter services in advance, utilizing visual aids, and leveraging technology like Google Translate can help to communicate with patients who have limited English proficiency.

Read the article here.

1. Cutting-Edge Eye Care Technologies Highlighted at SECO 2025

The keynote session of SECO 2025 focused on cutting-edge surgical technologies, advancements that come on the backs of AI, and wearable innovations. Julie Rodman, OD, MSc, FAAO, professor of optometry and chief of the Primary Care Broward clinic at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, spoke about the usefulness of genetic testing to identify genetic predisposition and other risk factors that can help to predict the likelihood of the development of age-related macular degeneration. Optical coherence tomography devices that can be taken home can also be important for having early detection of disease progression in patients. The role of AI in cataract surgery was also touched on by Lawrence Woodard, MD, medical director of Omni Eye Services of Atlanta.

Read the article here.