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Charles F. Mullen

Challenges and Opportunities in Optometry and Optometric Education

Guest Editorial: Medical Optometry Certification and Recognition

Excerpt from Medical Optometry Recognized by Credentialing Bodies by Dr. Kenneth Myers, President of The American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO).

Recognition of Medical Optometry

Formed in 2009, the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry is now recognized by credentialing committees at over 100 Joint Commission accredited medical facilities across the nation that have appointed ABCMO certified optometrists as specialists in medical optometry. Specialists hold Level 2 credentials after completing an accredited specialty residency, passing a national specialty examination and certification by a recognized specialty board.

This acceptance of ABCMO certification established medical optometry as a recognized specialty and resulted from its adoption of specialty requirements analogous with those required of specialists in medicine, osteopathy, dentistry and podiatry.

Facilities Recognizing ABCMO Certification

Accredited medical facilities recognizing ABCMO specialty certification include:

  1. Federal hospitals: Department of Veteran’s Affairs medical centers and clinics, Army-Navy-Air Force hospitals and clinics, Walter Reed Medical Center and Indian Health Service of the US Public Health Administration. (79 facilities to date)
  2. State Licensed Hospitals: Notably the Mayo Clinic and University Hospitals. (24)
  3. Credentialing documenters: CHG Healthcare, Air Force Centralized Credentials Verification Office, CVS, Valforce, VeriPoint, Merrit-Hawkins, Aperture. (7)
  4. Private eye practices. (26)
  5. Academic teaching facilities. (7)

To read the full article please visit the ABCMO link below:

Medical Optometry Recognized by Credentialing Bodies

March 8, 2017 by Charles F. Mullen

Signature Papers

  • Optometry Specialty Certification Boards Provide a Uniform Indicator of Advanced Knowledge and Skills
  • A New Paradigm for Optometry
  • Optometric Education in Crisis
  • Opportunities Lost – Opportunities Regained
  • Mergers and Consolidations of Optometry Colleges and Schools
  • Transformation of Optometry – Blueprint for the Future
  • Required Postgraduate Clinical Training for Optometry License
  • Why Optometry Needs the American Board of Optometry Specialties (ABOS)
  • The Future of Optometric Education – Opportunities and Challenges
  • A Strategic Framework for Optometry and Optometric Education
  • Changes Necessary to Include Optometry in the Graduate Medical Education Program (GME)
  • Unresolved Matters of Importance to Optometric Education
  • Illinois College of Optometry Commencement Address (Video & Transcript)
  • Charles F. Mullen’s Speech at the Kennedy Library: Development of NECO’s Community Based Education Program
  • Illinois College of Optometry Presidential Farewell Address (Video & Transcript)
  • Commitment to Excellence: ICO’s Strategic Plan
  • Illinois College of Optometry and University of Chicago Affiliation Agreement
  • An Affiliated Educational System for Optometry with the Department of Veterans Affairs

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