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

Meghan Elkins

Diplomate Spotlight - Meghan Elkins, OD

For Dr. Meghan Elkins, Board certification wasn’t a means to achieve status or higher pay, but rather the next logical step in her career to remind herself that she was still the life-long learner she committed to being in optometry school. 

Awareness meter

Diplomate Survey Results Are In

In November, ABO conducted a Diplomate survey to examine the value of board certification, how board certification is communicated to the public, and how it is perceived within the profession and by the general public. Results reveal positive marks for board certification and improvement areas for certification awareness.

Mark Eltis

ABO Director Mark Eltis, OD Elected As President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario

Dr. Mark Eltis has been re‑elected to a fourth term as President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, receiving 76% of the Council vote.

"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.

SECO 2026

Feb 27, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
Attending SECO in Atlanta this February? Stop by booth 411 to learn about board certification, our new Student Candidate program or earning a Certificate of...
More About Event > about SECO 2026

Webinar: No Tears Left to Cry: Restoring the Ocular Surface

Apr 23, 2026 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm CDT
Mark your calendars for a fantastic webinar presented by Laura Goldberg, OD and sponsored by Harrow Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Laura Goldberg is an Assistant Professor of...
More About Event > about Webinar: No Tears Left to Cry: Restoring the Ocular Surface

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.