American Board of Optometry Specialties

Current Boards, Specialty and Subspecialty Certifications

Medical Optometry

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

  1. Completion of a full-time, ACOE (or equivalent) accredited, postgraduate clinical residency training program having major emphasis on medical optometry.
  2. Passage of the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry exam offered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).
  3. 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

  1. Receive certification by the parent Specialty Board such as the ABCMO.
  2. Achieve Diplomate status in a relevant American Academy of Optometry Section or Special Interest Group.
  3. Complete two years of a subspecialty clinical fellowship or equivalent.
  4. 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