How do I add a CAQ to my Board Certification?
Optometrists seeking a CAQ must demonstrate advanced knowledge and experience in a chosen area which is above and beyond what is required for board certification. All CAQ candidates must be Board Certified by the American Board of Optometry in good standing, obtain 100 qualification points and pass a specialty assessment. Successful candidates will be awarded the CAQ credential upon passing the assessment and be enrolled in a focused MOC path beginning the following year.
Glaucoma CAQ Requirements
- Complete online application through Learning Builder and submit $100 application fee.
- Attest to the information provided and acknowledge that if the CAQ is earned, it must be kept current through participation in a focused Maintenance of Certification program.
- Candidate must obtain 100 qualification points from the categories outlined below.
- Candidate has 3 years from the date of application to meet the 100 qualification point requirement and may count points for the past 3 years.
Category 1: Active Clinical Practice
- Glaucoma Patient Encounters = 1 point for every 10 glaucoma patient encounters within the past 3 years not including residency year.
- These logs can be generated by electronic health records or be kept manually.
- Logs should not contain any patient identification but should indicate date, type of exam, specialty diagnoses, and any specialty procedures.
Category 2: Education
- Complete an ACOE-accredited residency in the category of Ocular Disease or emphasis area in Glaucoma = 75 points
- Continuing Education courses in Glaucoma = 1 point per hour
- Lectures, workshops, webinars, and distance learning courses with examinations approved by a state optometry board, COPE, or an ACOE-accredited member of ASCO are acceptable.
- All COPE courses should have categories (GL, LP, SP)
- CME activities sponsored by a medical school or department of ophthalmology specific to glaucoma are acceptable.
- Documented point-of-care learning (e.g., surgical observation) = 1 point per hour
Category 3: Recommended Credentials
- AAO Glaucoma Diplomate = 50 points
- OGS Member = 50 points
- Glaucoma Laser and Surgical Procedure Certification = 10 points
** A maximum 75 points can be obtained from each category **
- Complete and pass a specialty assessment in Glaucoma
- Begin enrollment in a focused MOC path the following year.
Cornea and Contact Lens CAQ Requirements
- Complete online application through Learning Builder and submit $100 application fee.
- Attest to the information provided and acknowledge that if the CAQ is earned, it must be kept current through participation in a focused Maintenance of Certification program.
- Candidate must obtain 100 qualification points from the categories outlined below.
- Candidate has 3 years from the date of application to meet the 100 qualification point requirement and may count points for the past 3 years.
Category 1: Active Clinical Practice
- Cornea and Contact Lens Patient Encounters = 1 point for every 10 patient encounters within the past 3 years not including residency year.
- These logs can be generated by electronic health records or be kept manually.
- Logs should not contain any patient identification but should indicate date, type of exam, specialty diagnoses, and any specialty procedures.
Category 2: Education
- Complete an ACOE-accredited residency in the category or emphasis area of Cornea and Contact Lens = 75 points
- Continuing Education courses in Cornea and Contact Lens = 1 point per hour
- Lectures, workshops, webinars, and distance learning courses with examinations approved by a state optometry board, COPE, or an ACOE-accredited member of ASCO are acceptable.
- All COPE courses should have categories (CL, GO)
- CME activities sponsored by a medical school or department of ophthalmology specific to cornea/contact lenses are acceptable.
- Documented point-of-care learning (e.g., surgical observation) = 1 point per hour
Category 3: Recommended Credentials
- AAO Cornea and Contact Lens Diplomate = 50 points
- Fellow of the Scleral Lens Educational Society = 50 points
- Fellow of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) = 50 points
- Fellow of the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) = 50 points
** A maximum 75 points can be obtained from each category **
- Complete and pass a specialty assessment in Cornea and Contact Lenses.
- Begin enrollment in a focused Cornea and Contact Lens MOC path the following year.
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