American Board of Optometry

EMPOWERING OPTOMETRISTS TO BE THE BEST FOR THEIR PATIENTS

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Introducing the CAQ!

ABO is pleased to offer the Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) credential to Diplomates who demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise, and who provide patient care with emphasis on, and commitment to, these focused areas of optometry.

CAQ

Recent News

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ABO Expands Efforts to Engage Residents and Students

Engaging optometrists on the importance of board certification early in their career, or even before graduation from optometry school, is vital not only to the continued growth of ABO, but more importantly for each individual optometrist and the overall profession.

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By the numbers: Pediatric CAP Summary

Analysis of the Fall 2023 CAP assessment is complete and the results are shared below. ABO Diplomates who took the assessment may be curious about their performance in comparison to their colleagues or may be interested in survey responses showing the impact of the readings on Diplomates’ patient care.

Passing rate: 95.0%
Average score: 90.1% (22.5/25 questions correct)

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Diplomate Spotlight - Dr. Robert Duvall

In 2022, Dr. Duvall was the first optometrist elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives (the General Assembly.) He initially sought Board Certification to ensure he had maximum accessibility to healthcare insurance plans. 

"Being a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry holds me accountable for lifelong learning. It give me a goal to work toward each year."

Lauren Goldsmith, OD

Diplomate, American Board of Optometry

“Obtaining board certification after residency reflected my strong commitment to stay current with the evolving profession, while reinforcing relevant clinical knowledge both in primary care and specialty areas of optometry.”

Tara Vacharkulksemsuk, OD

Diplomate, American Board of Optometry

Upcoming Events

Stay in the know about exams, training, and more.

Spring Exam Window

Feb 1, 2024 @ 8:00 am - Mar 31, 2024 @ 5:00 pm CST
The next administration of the board certification exam will be February 1 - March 31, 2024. Applications may be submitted at any time. Scheduling for...
More About Event > about Spring Exam Window

Webinar: Long Term Outcomes and Recent Advances in Refractive Surgery

Apr 29, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm CDT
Join us on April 29 as Mark Eltis, OD, presents a course on advances in refractive surgery. While LASIK and PRK have been employed for...
More About Event > about Webinar: Long Term Outcomes and Recent Advances in Refractive Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATION BENEFITS, FAQs, & MORE

Considering certification? Get started here.

Why should I become Board Certified?

By going through the voluntary process of becoming Board Certified, our Diplomates demonstrate competence beyond entry level.

How do I get started becoming an American Board of Optometry Diplomate?

Applying to become an Active Candidate is the first step. Click the start certification button below, and complete all four pages of the application. This will initiate the verification process.

What should I know about the exam process?

Looking for cost information, dates, registered testing centers, or questions about the exam in general? Start here.