Good news for ODs with military service

Eligible optometrists with U.S. Armed Forces service now will be able to receive G.I. Bill reimbursement for the American Board of Optometry’s Board Certification examination fee.

That’s important news for optometrists who are active service members or current reservists, or who have prior military service, said American Board of Optometry Board chairman James Vaught OD. “In the interest of high-quality patient care, the American Board of Optometry strives to make its voluntary Board Certification program as relevant and accessible as possible for qualified optometrists,” Vaught said. “We are very pleased to inform ODs who’ve served our country that they now can apply for this valuable reimbursement benefit under the G.I. Bill. We think it will provide an important additional incentive for them to consider American Board of Optometry Board Certification.”

The current Board Certification examination fee is $1,500. Service-member ODs can be reimbursed for that amount upon sitting for the examination, which is offered each January and July at Prometric Testing Centers. Details will be available soon on the process eligible optometrists can use to apply for reimbursement through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The G.I. Bill, originally passed in 1944, established higher education funding assistance for individuals serving in the U.S. military.