A Word from Our Chair

As our profession continues to grow and transform, I want to thank you for your investment in board certification and continuous improvement through lifelong learning through the American Board of Optometry.  Your dedication to our profession and ultimately to your patients represents a level of achievement that is well respected in the medical and eyecare community.

Over the past eighteen months, the ABO Board of Directors has been working to develop a pilot program that offers Diplomates a new opportunity for recognition of expertise, the Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ).  In past newsletters we have provided updates on our progress and we are now pleased to announce that applications for earning a CAQ will be available beginning in May.

The CAQ credential represents recognition of advanced experience, skill, and knowledge in a focused clinical area.  A CAQ is not a separate board certification, but a credential earned secondary to board certification and maintained through a maintenance of certification (MOC) path that is tailored to the focused practice discipline.  Initially, ABO will offer a CAQ in glaucoma and in cornea/contact lenses. In the future the board has tentative plans to add additional CAQs as interest grows in the added credential.

Please take a moment to read more details concerning this new initiative by the selecting the CAQ button at the top of the home page.  If you have any questions, please reach out to the board office for further information.

Finally, I would like to thank our executive director, April Wilhelm and our Director of Education and Assessment, Catherine Hines, OD for their leadership in assisting the board in the development of the CAQ pilot program. Their contributions in time and expertise have been invaluable.

David Sterna, OD, FAAO
Chair, American Board of Optometry