Building a Foundation for Lifelong Learning Through New Student Initiatives

The American Board of Optometry’s mission is to advance the quality of eye care by promoting excellence through education, assessment, practice and professionalism, for the benefit of all patients. As straightforward as that seems, the mission can only be achieved if the optometric profession and individual optometrists themselves are willing and active participants in the lifelong learning process. Creating a future workforce of highly skilled and knowledgeable clinicians means building that foundation from the beginning.

As optometry students transition from the classroom to clinical practice, it is essential that the role of continuous learning is valued and embraced early on. Today’s optometrists must be well-equipped to navigate a barrage of new information with the ability to identify key advances, then process and understand that knowledge and integrate it into practice. “Providing quality patient care means staying abreast of current developments in the field of optometry,” said Dr. Catherine Hines, Director of Education and Assessment for ABO. “And one of the best ways to do that is to participate in a structured lifelong learning program like ABO’s Continuous Assessment Program (CAP).”

Seizing an opportunity to engage students while active learning is still a part of their daily routine, ABO has launched a new Student Candidate program for third- and fourth-year optometry students. We are excited to offer this platform to students, which allows them to experience how a robust, engaging learning program can enhance knowledge and skill, leading to better patient care, while also offering the flexibility and convenience that busy professionals need. Students who begin the path to board certification through the new Student Candidate program also benefit from a student-based application fee of only $25, the opportunity to earn points toward eligibility for the board certification exam, and access to learning modules with clinically-based assessment questions which can enhance preparation for the NBEO’s licensing board exams.

To further engage students and encourage clinical inquiry, ABO is sponsoring our second annual Learning Through Clinical Care student case contest. The case contest is open to all third- and fourth-year optometry students and submissions will be accepted through May 15, 2025. First and second place winners will receive a cash prize and an opportunity to work with Dr. Cathy Hines to develop their winning case into a self-guided learning module for ABO Diplomates. Additional information and contest guidelines can be found here.

ABO has, and will continue, to visit optometry schools to share information about board certification, the new Student Candidate program and the Learning Through Clinical Care contest. The initial response to these initiatives has been both enthusiastic and supportive and we have already received a number of student applications. We welcome feedback from both students and faculty and look forward to the new Student Candidate program having a positive impact on preparing students for patient care and continued learning throughout their career.