American Board of Optometry Founding Partners

The American Board of Optometry was founded by the following organizations:

The American Optometric Association (AOA) is the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation's health. Founded in 1898, the AOA is a federation of state, student and armed forces optometric associations. Through these affiliations, the AOA serves more than 49,0000 members consisting of optometrists, students of optometry, paraoptometrics and technicians. Together, the AOA and its affiliates work to provide the public with quality vision and eye care.

The American Optometric Student Association, founded in 1968, serves to improve the visual welfare and health of the public, to promote the profession of optometry and lifelong commitment to the American Optometric Association and state affiliates, and to enhance the education and welfare of optometry students.

Founded in 1922, the American Academy of Optometry is committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning. The letters "FAAO" (Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry) after an optometrist, scientist or other qualified person’s name signify to colleagues and patients that rigorous qualifications for Fellowship have been met. All members of the Academy, whether or not they see patients, are dedicated to the highest standards of optometric practice through clinical care, education or research.

The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is the academic leadership organization committed to promoting, advancing and achieving excellence in optometric education. Since 1941, ASCO has achieved this vision by representing the interests of institutions of optometric education, enhancing the efforts of these institutions as they prepare highly qualified graduates for entrance into the profession of optometry and serving the public’s eye and vision needs

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Upcoming Events

Stay in the know about exams, training, and more by visiting our events page.

ABO Annual Meeting

Jun 24, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 4:30 pm CDT
The American Board of Optometry annual Board of Directors meeting will take place in Minneapolis, MN in conjunction with Optometry's...
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Optometry’s Meeting

Jun 25, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - Jun 27, 2025 @ 4:30 pm CDT
Attending Optometry's Meeting in Minneapolis? Visit the American Board of Optometry at booth 630 in the exhibit hall on Wednesday,...
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Webinar – Myopia Management

Aug 20, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm CDT
Join Dr. Cheryl Chapman for a course that explores new developments in myopia management, reviews fundamental basics in diagnosis and...
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