American Board of Optometry

EMPOWERING OPTOMETRISTS TO BE THE BEST FOR THEIR PATIENTS

Diplomate, Candidate and Student Login

I Want to Become Board Certified

I Want to Become a Student Candidate

I Want to Verify an Optometrist's Status

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

M Gerstberger

Board Certification IS Gaining Ground in All Healthcare

On June 24th, ABO Directors gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the annual ABO Board of Directors meeting. The day-long meeting kicked off with the installation of a new chair, Dr. Matthew Gerstberger, and the appointment of four new directors.

Dreamstime S 203517931

Holiday Hours

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! If you are having issues meeting or submitting end-of year MOC requirements, please contact our office after January 1, or send an email to [email protected]. Your Diplomate status will remain current until January 15, 2026.

New Directors Image

Spotlight on New Directors

Meet the four new members of the ABO Board of Directors! Elected to the board on June 24, 2025 to serve a 3-year term, they are: Beverly Black, CAE, Kim Castleberry, OD, Patti Phillips, PhD, Kimberly Woideck OD.

"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.

Webinar: Oral Pharmaceutical Update for Eye Care

Feb 4, 2026 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm CST
Join us on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 for a course presented by Gregory Caldwell, OD. This course will focus on recent advances in pharmaceuticals relevant...
More About Event > about Webinar: Oral Pharmaceutical Update for Eye Care

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.