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American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry

May 29, 2024

Specialization and Subspecialization

A majority of optometrists are content to describe themselves as primary eyecare providers, but over one quarter feel they also possess “subspecialty skills” in one or more specific niches — and they would like such capabilities to be recognized by others, too.

Jack Persico, Editor-in-Chief Review of Optometry

Excerpt from Review of Optometry: Optometrists Ready to Step up to Subspecialization


For additional information about optometry specialties including current and proposed Specialty Boards, please see the American Board of Optometry Specialties.

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

May 29, 2024
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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