Why Choose a Board Certified Optometrist?

Board Certification goes above and beyond basic medical licensure. Doctors of Optometry who are certified by the American Board of Optometry have voluntarily committed to maintaining nationally recognized standards for education, knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality care.

Grad School

Optometry School Graduate

  • Meet Degree Requirements
  • Complete Clinical Externship
  • 4 Years of Optometry Education
State Licensed

State Licensed

  • Optometry School Graduate
  • 0-15 Hours of Continuing Education per Year
  • Minimum Competency to Practice
  • Pass State Board Exam
Board Certified

Board Certified

  • Optometry School Graduate
  • State Licensed
  • Knowledge Assessment Every 4 Months
  • 25 Hours of Continuing Education per Year
  • Additional Study - Pass Rigorous Clinical Exam
I'M A DIPLOMATE/CANDIDATE

LEARNING BUILDER ACCOUNT ACCESS

Check Board Certification Status

By going through the voluntary process of becoming board certified, our Diplomates demonstrate competence beyond entry level.

Upcoming Events

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

Webinar: No Tears Left to Cry: Restoring the Ocular Surface

Apr 23, 2026 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm CDT
Mark your calendars for a fantastic webinar presented by Laura Goldberg, OD and sponsored by Harrow Pharmaceuticals. Dry eye disease...
More About Event > about Webinar: No Tears Left to Cry: Restoring the Ocular Surface

Annual Board of Directors Meeting

Jun 16, 2026
The ABO Board of Directors will hold its annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, June 16th. The Board gathers...
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Optometry’s Meeting

Jun 17, 2026 @ 7:00 pm - Jun 19, 2026 @ 4:00 pm CDT
Visit ABO at Optometry's Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona! We will be at booth 1232 starting Wednesday evening, June17 through Friday,...
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