Background
There is a need for increased postgraduate clinical training capacity, and Optometry Specialty Certification Boards to manage the rapid expansion of the Scope of Optometric Practice. See: Three Critical Components for Expanded Scope of Optometric Practice.
Board Certification is understood by the health care community, and general public that a physician has acquired advanced knowledge and skills in a specialty area such as Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, etc.
Although there are more than ten different types of Optometry Residency Programs, only ABCMO offers enrolled residents the opportunity to be Board Certified in an Optometry Specialty. This leaves many other residents without the opportunity for Board Certification in their respective Specialties. This deficiency can be addressed by the further development of Specialty Certification Boards as outlined in this paper.
This paper details an approach for Optometry to develop Board Certification capabilities similar to medicine in the specialties of Family Optometry, Low Vision and Pediatric Optometry in addition to the currently successfully operating American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO).
In order to facilitate the development of Optometry Specialty Boards, and to ensure high standards for all specialties, the American Board of Optometry Specialties (ABOS) was implemented. ABOS is the optometric analog of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
The State of Optometry Specialty Certification Boards and Associated Specialties and Subspecialties
The following is a synthesis of information contained on ASCO, ABCMO, ABOS and the American Academy of Optometry websites pertaining to postgraduate clinical training, specialties, subspecialties and Certification Boards into four Optometry Specialty Certification Boards with their associated specialties and subspecialties.
ABO promotes advancement beyond the entry level, but does not promote nor certify specialization. The below guidance framework requires further development and refinements.
Optometry Specialty Board Currently Operating
American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO)
Medical optometrists diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of conditions of the eye. They prescribe medications, diagnostic tests, eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Specialty Certification in Medical Optometry Administered by the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO) Requirements
- Completion of a full-time, ACOE (or equivalent) accredited, postgraduate clinical residency training program having major emphasis on medical optometry.
- Passage of the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry (ACMO) exam offered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).
- Documented significant practice of medical optometry for a minimum of two years immediately prior to application for certification.
Subspecialty Certification Requirements
To become certified in a particular Subspecialty, an optometrist must
- Receive certification by the parent Specialty Board such as the ABCMO.
- Achieve Diplomate status in a relevant American Academy of Optometry Section or Membership in a Special Interest Group.
- Complete two years of a subspecialty clinical fellowship or equivalent.
- Passage of Subspecialty Examination offered by the NBEO.
Subspecialties of Medical Optometry (Under Consideration)
Cornea and External Disease
Subspecialty includes the diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases of the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva and eyelids.
Glaucoma
Subspecialty includes the diagnosis, treatment and management of glaucoma and other disorders usually associated with increased intraocular pressure.
Neuro-Ophthalmic Disorders
Subspecialty includes the relationship between neurologic and ophthalmic diseases. Manages local pathology affecting the optic nerve and visual pathways and the visual effects of traumatic brain injury. Includes the evaluation and management of problems that involve the afferent and efferent visual and visual-motor systems.
Vitreoretinal Diseases
Subspecialty includes the diagnosis and management of various diseases that affect the retina and vitreous.
For more information regarding the Specialty of Medical Optometry and associated subspecialties please visit ABCMO.org
The Following Specialties Require Further Development and Establishment of Certification Boards
See: Principles to Follow in Developing Specialties and Subspecialties.
Family Optometry
American Board of Certification in Family Optometry (ABCFO)
The Family Optometrist provides front line, primary eye care to all members of the family that is accessible and continuous over time for all ages and stages of life. When necessary, the Family Optometrist arranges for diagnostic tests and referrals to other health care providers and coordinates the care.
Specifically, the Family Optometrist diagnoses, treats and manages disorders of the eye including prescription of eyeglasses, contact lenses, optical aids and medications.
Certification Requirements
- Residency training as required by ABCFO.
- Practice as required by ABCFO.
- Passage of an Examination in the Specialty of Family Optometry.
- Passage of the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry Exam or Residency Training in Medical Eye Care.
Subspecialties in Family Optometry (Require Further Development)
Advanced Contact Lens Care
Geriatric Vision
Sports Vision
Pediatric Optometry
American Board of Certification in Pediatric Optometry (ABCPO)
The management of ocular motility disorders, strabismus, amblyopia, developmental and perceptual abnormalities in children.
Certification Requirements
- Achieve Diplomate status in the Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry Section of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).
- One year residency training or two years of pediatric practice.
- Passage of an Examination in the Specialty of Pediatric Optometry.
- Passage of the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry Exam or Residency Training in Medical Eye Care.
Subspecialties in Pediatric Optometry
Infant Vision
Adolescent Vision
Low Vision Optometry
American Board of Certification in Low Vision Optometry (ABCLVO)
Low Vision Optometry deals with the diagnosis and treatment of low vision. Management includes prescription of optical aids and other devices. Also, includes training and counseling of patients.
Certification Requirements
- Achieve Diplomate status in the Low Vision Section of the American Academy of Optometry.
- One year of residency training or two years of low vision practice.
- Passage of an Examination in the Specialty of Low Vision Optometry.
- Passage of the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry Exam or Residency Training in Medical Eye Care.
Subspecialties in Low Vision Optometry
To Be Determined
Criteria for the Establishment of an Optometry Specialty Board
The specialty board issuing certifications in a specialty shall be an independent, not-for-profit entity with a board of directors and officers of up to 7 individuals of which the majority of voting members are licensed practitioners of the specialty and two non-voting members who will represent the public interest.
The board may have ex officio members representing the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and the independent entity preparing and administering its national written specialty examination testing competence in the specialty required to apply for specialty certification.
American Board of Optometry Specialties (ABOS)
The development and administration of all Specialty Boards is overseen and assisted by the American Board of Optometry Specialties (ABOS).