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

Step 1

Step 2

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 **

Step 3

Cornea and Contact Lens CAQ Requirements

Step 1

Step 2

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