A Word From Our Chair

Board Certification has been a longstanding credential in healthcare that recognizes a practitioner who has gone beyond the basic requirements to practice and has demonstrated obtaining and maintaining the highest level of knowledge in their field.  Since the founding of the American Board of Optometry more than 15 years ago, many in our profession have recognized  board certification’s value as an objective, independent measure of an optometrist’s knowledge and skill. Also of great importance is the recognition of board certification by other healthcare providers and the public. It is a trusted credential when selecting a provider to be a part of the healthcare team. Although we have made progress, there is still more to be done to elevate board certification into mainstream optometry, as well as achieve parity with our medical colleagues and other healthcare providers.

Since board certification is voluntary, optometrists who obtain it choose to do so for various reasons. For many ABO Diplomates, one of the most important reasons is that board certification provides a systematic way of achieving continued growth and knowledge which allows them to practice at the highest and most up-to-date level. This is seen in the value placed by Diplomates on ABO’s  maintenance of certification (MOC) program. In a recent Diplomate survey, over 84% of respondents agreed that the Continuous Assessment Program (CAP)  was a valuable learning tool.  Additionally,  80% agreed that participating in MOC had improved their patient care and over 90% were pleased with their decision to earn board certification.

The growth of  board certification requires our fellow optometrists to also recognize the merit of participating in a structured, quality, lifelong learning and assessment program. The value of the credential is demonstrated daily by employers who require board certification; hospitals; insurance panels or research programs that make board certification a key factor for privileges; and the public who continue to seek out board certified doctors for care.

 We anticipate the number of employers requiring or encouraging board certification to continue to increase in the coming years. And those optometrists who want a credential for promotion or to join a research study will continue to apply. But true growth will come from optometrists who understand the benefit in how board certification positively impacts not only the patient care they provide, but the entire profession.

It is up to us, as Diplomates, to share the value of board certification, and to encourage our colleagues to pursue this important credential. Your testimony to the value of board certification is essential for the  growth of ABO and its importance to the profession. When the opportunity arises, share with others the value you have found in achieving this credential. Thank you for recognizing and being an advocate for the importance of lifelong learning that is essential to providing quality care to our patients. 

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