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American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry

October 10, 2023

Ophthalmology Workforce Expected to Decline

Excerpt from Ophthalmology Workforce Expected to Decline 12% by 2035, Review of Optometry, September 22, 2023

“While projections show that the number of full-time ophthalmologists will decrease by 2,650 between 2020 and 2035, the demand for these doctors will increase to 5,150 representing a supply and demand mismatch of 30%“

Full Article: Ophthalmology Workforce Expected to Decline 12% by 2035


Reflection

This supply and demand mismatch presents two options: 1) cutting eye care services or 2) expanding the Scope of Practice for other professions to cover the deficit. Which option is in the best interests of patients? Which option will the public support?

Comments are welcome and can be sent to editor@abcmo.org for publication under the author's name.

October 10, 2023
Filed Under: Reflections

ABCMO News, Updates & Editorials


Email Updates

ABCMO News

  • ACMO Exam Scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026
  • Newsletter – ABCMO News & Updates – December 2024
  • Newsletter – ABCMO News & Updates – July 2023
  • The Journal of Medical Optometry – First Edition
  • Newsletter – ABCMO News & Updates – March 2023

Reflections – Editorials and Articles of Interest

  • Specialization and Subspecialization
  • Ophthalmology Workforce Expected to Decline
  • 10 Administrators for Every Doctor
  • What is Medical Optometry?
  • A Letter to VA Optometry Residency Coordinators: Benefits of ACMO

Comments are welcome and can be sent to editor@abcmo.org for publication under the author's name.

Certification Requirements

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

Recognized by the American Board of Optometry Specialties

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