What is a CAQ?

A Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) is an added credential that can be earned by an ABO Diplomate to achieve recognition for their experience, skills, and knowledge in a focused clinical area.  A CAQ reflects optometrists are first grounded in the training and knowledge of primary eye care, which is enhanced but not replaced through specialized clinical practice. 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.