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

Board June 2024

Annual Meeting Focuses on the Future

On June 18, 2024, the American Board of Optometry (ABO) Board of Directors met in Nashville, Tennessee to discuss the current state of operations and set priorities for the upcoming year. The primary focus of the day-long meeting centered around two topics, the current state of ABO’s board certification program and the future of board certification in optometry.

Heath Award Crop

Dr. David A. HEath Receives First Visionaries for Volunteer Service Award

At the annual Board of Directors meeting on June 18 in Nashville, Tennessee, ABO presented Dr. David A. Heath with the first annual Visionaries for Volunteer Service Award.

Merge Photo

Meet The Winners of Our First Annual Student Case Challenge

The winners of ABO's Learning Through Clinical Care Student Case Challenge were announced on June 18 in Nashville, Tennessee at Optometry's Meeting. Congratulations to the following students! Jennetta Dao, first place (not pictured); Riley Parker, second place; Logan Oostdyk, honorable mention

"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.

Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) Exam Window

Aug 1, 2024 @ 8:00 am - Dec 15, 2024 @ 5:00 pm CDT
The 2024 exam window for CAQ applicants is open from August 1 - December 15. All CAQ applicants who have met the exam eligibility criteria...
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American Academy of Optometry

Nov 6, 2024 @ 8:00 am - Nov 8, 2024 @ 5:00 pm CST
Save the date! Visit us at booth 744 in Indianapolis November 6 - 8! Learn about board certification, our new Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ)...
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Webinar: Grand Rounds – Medical Uses of Contact Lenses

Nov 20, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm CST
Save the date! Join us for a 2-hour COPE-accredited webinar presented by Deepa Chandrasekaran, OD, FAAO, FIACLE. Dr. Chandrasekaran is an ABO Diplomate and one...
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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.