ON BOARD - Spring 2025

A quarterly publication of the
American Board of Optometry

A Word From Our Chair

In a few short weeks, the ABO Board of Directors will meet in Minneapolis for our annual meeting. As I look back on my term as board chair, I am thankful for this dedicated group of professionals who work hard to make ABO’s board certification program a valuable means for optometrists to demonstrate competency, excellence in practice and a commitment to lifelong learning through quality education and assessment.

ABO Maintenance of Certification (MOC) - A Balanced Approach To Lifelong Learning

Traditional continuing education for optometrists often relies on passive learning formats, such as attending lectures or reading journal articles, that do little to foster active engagement or meaningful self-reflection. And studies have shown that as practitioners progress in their careers and become more specialized, their educational focus tends to narrow.

Board Certification Is Gaining Ground Across All Health Care Professions

With mounting evidence that supports the value of board certification, the number of board-certified providers across all health care professions is growing. Twenty years ago, the number of board-certified healthcare professionals outside of MDs was minimal. Today that is no longer the case.

Diplomate Spotlight - Joseph Allen, OD

Have you seen the YouTube channel, Dr. Eye Health? It was founded by ABO Diplomate, Joseph Allen, OD who wanted to bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and everyday understanding.

Recognizing a need for clear, accurate, and engaging eye health content, he launched Doctor Eye Health in 2018. He states,

By the Numbers: Systemic Health CAP Summary

Final results are now available for the Winter 2025 CAP assessment.

Pass/fail cut point: 80% (20/25 questions)

Passing rate: 98.3%

Average score: 93.7% (23.4/25 questions correct)

News & Notes

The CAQ assessment window opens August 1st! Are you ready to earn a Certificate of Added Qualification in either Glaucoma or Cornea & Contact Lens? For Diplomates already approved to test, the window opens August 1 and closes December 31.

Did you miss the May 8th webinar with Dr. Paul Ajamian: Clinical Quandaries: Fighting the Fear Factor? It's now available on our website and was highly rated by all attendees!