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American Board of Optometry Specialties

Optometry Specialties and Subspecialties

Board certified specialists in over 40 medical and dental specialties along with 136 associated subspecialties are readily recognized by hospital credentialing committees and boards. By comparison, optometry has just 1 specialty and 0 subspecialties.

Only optometrists who are board certified in Medical Optometry by the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO) are recognized as specialists by Federal facilities, state licensed hospitals, teaching facilities, group practices and credentialing networks.

The recognition of the Specialty of Medical Optometry is a significant achievement for the profession of optometry, and a step closer to inclusion in the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program. However, augmentation of Medical Optometry subspecialties still needs to be accomplished.

In order to facilitate the development of optometry specialty boards, and to ensure high standards for all specialties, the American Board of Optometry Specialties (ABOS) was implemented. ABOS is the optometric analog of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Current and Suggested Boards

Recognized Optometry Certification Boards, Specialties and Subspecialties
Suggested Optometry Certification Boards, Specialties and Subspecialites

Background Information

Why ABOS Was Established
Definition of an Optometry Specialty
How Specialty Boards Are Recognized and Role of ABOS
Licensing and Credentialing of Health Clinicians
Credentialing Levels for Physicians, Dentists and Optometrists
The History of Specialists and Optometry Board Certification
Optometry Credentialing at Medical Facilities

Join ABOS

  • Current Member Boards
  • New Boards Encouraged
  • Criteria for Membership
  • Apply for Membership

More Info

  • Why ABOS Was Established
  • Specialties and Subspecialties
  • Defining an Optometry Specialty
  • How Specialty Boards Are Recognized and Role of ABOS
  • Licensing and Credentialing of Health Clinicians – Impact on Optometry Specialties
  • Recognized Credentialing Levels for Physicians, Dentists and Optometrists
  • The History of Specialists and Optometry Board Certification
  • Optometry Credentialing at Medical Facilities

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