ABCMO’s Mission

The American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO) is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides recognition and certification of US licensed optometrists who have chosen to specialize in medical optometry after receiving their professional degree (OD) and license to practice.

The specialization in Medical Optometry encompasses the medical diagnosis, management and treatment of primary and secondary diseases and disorders of the human eye, adnexa and visual tracts.

The Value of Board Certification

ABCMO certification provides the public, credentialing committees and fellow medical practitioners a national, uniform indicator that an optometrist possesses specialized, advanced knowledge, skills and competence in the practice of medical optometry. It is not only recognized, but also required by many employers.

Requirements for Board Certification

The following are in addition to an O.D. degree from an accredited North American school or college of optometry and a current state license to practice.

Residency: Completion of a full-time, ACOE (or equivalent) accredited, postgraduate clinical residency training program having major emphasis on medical optometry.
ACMO Exam: Passage of the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry exam (or equivalent) offered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.
Practice: Documented significant practice of medical optometry for a minimum of two years immediately prior to application for certification.

The Practice requirement is waived in the two years immediately following residency training.

Complete Application and Requirements

Apply for Certification

American College of Medical Optometry

Introduction

In response to our continued growth (there are now over 400 certified specialists in Medical Optometry) and in accordance with Article 5 of our Governing Bylaws, ABCMO has begun the process of creating the American College of Medical Optometry. As we move forward expect to hear us refer to this new component of ABCMO as “ACMO” and the “College” too.

Division of Responsibilities

The ABCMO Board of Directors, ultimately responsible for the entire organization, will continue to focus on:

Certification in the specialty of Medical Optomety
Verification of ABCMO certification for employers
Maintaining status with accrediting organizations

The American College of Medical Optometry and its Board of Advisors will primarily focus on:

Furthering the professional development of the membership
Educating the public about the benefits of board certification
Taking a leadership role in the specialty of Medical Optometry

Thanks for Your Comments and Feedback

We’d like to thank everyone who completed the Fall 2017 ABCMO Survey. The information has given us a good idea about what you think is important as we move forward with the creation of the American College of Medical Optometry.