Certification For Active Military/VA/Public Health ODs

The American Board of Optometry recognizes the unique practice environments in which active military, Veteran’s Administration (VA) and public health optometrists work. Ensuring board certification is accessible and achievable for all federal service optometrists is essential.

Why Become Board Certified?

Board certification is the gold standard for providers among all healthcare professions. In optometry, it is a voluntary credential that goes above and beyond licensing requirements and is confirmation of an optometrist’s personal commitment to providing the highest quality patient care and engaging in lifelong learning and assessment.

For active military optometrists, obtaining board certification may also provide an opportunity to earn a special pay increase.

Once board certification is earned, maintenance of certification (MOC) guides practitioners through a structured path of continuous learning with a focus on emerging information, skill development and maintaining fundamental optometric knowledge. MOC cycles repeat every four years to assist optometrists in staying current with contemporary clinical practice standards.

Benefits Offered to Active Military, VA and Public Health ODs

Diplomate status in the American Board of Optometry is a highly valued credential, acknowledged by patients, colleagues and employers. In addition to providing an objective measure of competence and an engaging platform for advancing knowledge, the board certification and maintenance of certification program is designed to be flexible, attainable and affordable.

The following accommodations are offered to all federal service optometrists.

  • Standard exam fee of $950 is reduced to $500.
  • Standard application fee of $300 (waived for AFOS members).
  • Candidates may earn the required 150 qualification points in as little as 12-18 months. Exam may be taken at Meazure Learning Test Centers worldwide, allowing deployed military members to take the exam at or near most US military bases.
  • Participation in MOC provides the opportunity to earn over 15 hours of COPE-accredited continuing education annually through online courses.

Voices from the Field - What Do Current Diplomates Say

“I decided to become a Diplomate about 5 years after graduation. It was a fantastic opportunity to refresh my clinical knowledge, as well as demonstrate the continued mastery of my field. The maintenance education requirements are also an excellent way to stay engaged with the latest developments in optometry. I would recommend the American Board of Optometry board certification to anyone but specifically it is advantageous for military.”

Kimberly Woideck, OD
Maj USAF, BCS

“Achieving board certification in optometry elevates a practitioner’s standing, akin to other medical specialties, garnering respect from patients and healthcare organizations alike. This credential demonstrates a commitment to ongoing education and expertise, as optometrists must stay current with the latest advancements and best practices in eye care. Moreover, board certification opens doors to a broader professional network, allowing optometrists to connect with peers, share insights and collaborate on improving patient care standards across the field.”

Len Koh, OD, PhD
Mann-Granstaff VA Medical Center

“Maintaining board certification has provided me with confidence in knowing that I’m providing appropriate care to my patients. I find the quarterly assessments beneficial in updating my knowledge base and closing any gaps that may exist in my current understanding over a broad array of topics.”

Ryan Peine, OD
HIS, Navajo Area

Contact Us

For additional information about earning board certification as a federally employed optometrist, please contact our office at 314.983.4226 or [email protected].

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Upcoming Events

Stay in the know about exams, training, and more by visiting our events page.

AFOS Atlanta

Feb 24, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
ABO will be attending the AFOS at SECO in Atlanta, Georgia! Working with AFOS to make board certification more accessible...
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SECO Atlanta

Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 1, 2025
Attending SECO this year? Stop by booth 820 to visit ABO and learn more about board certification!  We also invite...
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Webinar: Clinical Quandaries

May 8, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm CDT
Save the date for Thursday May 8, 2025 to attend Clinical Quandaries, presented by Dr. Paul Ajamian. This course will...
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