Dr. Catherine Hines, Director of Education and Assessment Announces Retirement

Cathy Hines, OD, joined ABO in 2014 as a consultant for exam development after serving for five years as the Director of Clinical Examinations for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). A graduate of the New England College of Optometry (NECO), Dr. Hines completed a primary care residency in 1983 and then joined her alma mater as an optometric educator. While at NECO, Dr. Hines served in various roles, including Chairperson of the Curriculum Committee and Assistant Director of the Eye Clinic at the North End Community Health Center in Boston, MA. She authored numerous articles published in peer-reviewed journals, co-authored two editions of an optometric textbook, and was awarded both Academic Teacher of the Year and Clinical Teacher of the Year multiple times.

Dr. Hines had extensive experience in teaching, exam development and test administration when joining ABO. She played a vital role in building the foundation for a board certification and maintenance of certification (MOC) program that is now certified by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

As her role with ABO expanded, Dr. Hines assumed responsibility for all areas of testing and education, including webinars, MOC CAP assessments, learning modules, certificates of added qualification (CAQ) and student learning initiatives. As Director of Education and Assessment, she works closely with staff and board directors to deliver a robust and valuable program to support and engage optometrists in lifelong learning and competency.

“Working with Dr. Hines to develop and implement initiatives that strengthen ABO has been a privilege,” said ABO Executive Director April Wilhelm. “Her expertise has been fundamental to our success, and she will be greatly missed.”

For Diplomates, Dr. Hines is a fixture at ABO and always available to listen to feedback, discuss new ideas and answer questions. “One of the best parts of my job is getting to speak to Diplomates, candidates and students about the importance of lifelong learning,” said Dr. Hines. “ABO has a quality board certification and maintenance of certification program and getting optometrists and optometry students excited about participating has been a highlight of my job.”

Working with ABO volunteers has also been an integral part of Dr. Hines’ work. Whether assembling a committee for item writing, standard setting, CAP development or choosing a webinar speaker, she has had the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest optometrists and established relationships with many ABO Diplomates. “Dr. Hines and I enjoyed a fun long-distance friendship, like developing course materials for state CE certification as well as a multitude of other ABO volunteer activities,” recalls Bonnie Gauer, OD. “She is a consummate professional with a quick wit. I’ll miss the smile between the lines. I wish her the best.”

As Dr. Hines sets to retire at the end of the summer, she plans to spend more time pursuing her passions, including doting on her grandson Cohen and volunteering with wildlife and conservation organizations. Please join us in thanking Dr. Hines for her tremendous service to the American Board of Optometry and wishing her well as she moves on to an exciting new chapter.