A Word from Our Chair

As I was planning my schedule for the upcoming Optometry’s Meeting in June, I could not help but notice that 16 of the speakers are ABO Diplomates. And last fall, over 50 presentations were done by ABO Diplomates at the American Academy of Optometry Meeting. ABO Diplomates are frequently authors, subject matter experts, fellows, faculty members, deans, and have leadership roles in state associations, state boards and other professional organizations. Contributing to the profession and being leaders in our field is a key characteristic of our Diplomates. Board certification is a distinction these individuals have earned, and it represents the importance of this valuable credential. 

When considering who is most likely to seek board certification with ABO, several indicators are consistently at the top of the list: completion of a residency, volunteering in the profession, belonging to a society or professional organization and working in a medical practice. 

But not all Diplomates fit this profile. Many are in private practice and simply want an engaging and structured path for keeping up with the profession. Some work for organizations that require board certification. Some want a meaningful credential for both patients and colleagues. And still others earned their board certification as a personal achievement and means of holding themselves accountable.

Whatever the reason for becoming a Diplomate, or the profile ABO Diplomates may fit, I am certain that the one thing they all have in common is their desire to provide the best care possible to their patients and the willingness to go above and beyond to do it.

ABO, at its core, is an organization that is dedicated to supporting optometrists in this endeavor. Participation in maintenance of certification (MOC) provides Diplomates a means of assessing their competency through objective standards and identifying knowledge gaps. Possibly, most importantly, participation in MOC provides a robust continuous learning program that targets innovative information and fundamental knowledge, with an emphasis on the latest in evidence-based eye care. Feedback from Diplomates consistently points to our MOC program and the role it plays in improving the patient care they provide.

Whether listening to a Diplomate lecture during a CE course, meeting Diplomates at conferences, or reading an article authored by an ABO Diplomate, I am continually impressed by their knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to our shared mission of providing excellence in eye care. We have much to be proud of as ABO Diplomates and as the current chair, I offer my commitment to providing a quality, credentialed program that supports optometrists in their efforts to be leaders in patient care.

Diane Adamczyk, OD, FAAO
Chair, American Board of Optometry