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American Board of Optometry Specialties

ABOS Encourages Formation of the Following Specialty Boards and Subspecialties

Family Optometry

American Board of Certification in Family Optometry (ABCFO)

The Family Optometrist provides front line, primary eye care to all members of the family that is accessible and continuous over time for all ages and stages of life. When necessary, the Family Optometrist arranges for diagnostic tests and referrals to other health care providers and coordinates the care.

Specifically, the Family Optometrist diagnoses, treats and manages disorders of the eye including prescription of eyeglasses, contact lenses, optical aids and medications.

Certification Requirements

  1. Residency training as required by ABCFO.
  2. Practice as required by ABCFO.
  3. Passage of an Examination in the Specialty of Family Optometry.
  4. Passage of the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry Examination or Documented Practice in Medical Eye Care.

Subspecialties in Family Optometry (Require Further Development)

Advanced Contact Lens Care

Geriatric Vision

Sports Vision


Pediatric Optometry

American Board of Certification in Pediatric Optometry (ABCPO)

The management of ocular motility disorders, strabismus, amblyopia, developmental and perceptual abnormalities in children.

Certification Requirements

  1. Achieve Diplomate status in the Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry Section of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).
  2. One year residency training or two years of pediatric practice.
  3. Passage of an Examination in the Specialty of Pediatric Optometry.
  4. Passage of the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry Examination or Documented Practice in Medical Eye Care.

Subspecialties in Pediatric Optometry

Infant Vision

Adolescent Vision


Low Vision Optometry

American Board of Certification in Low Vision Optometry (ABCLVO)

Low Vision Optometry deals with the diagnosis and treatment of low vision. Management includes prescription of optical aids and other devices. Also, includes training and counseling of patients.

Certification Requirements

  1. Achieve Diplomate status in the Low Vision Section of the American Academy of Optometry.
  2. One year of residency training or two years of low vision practice.
  3. Passage of an Examination in the Specialty of Low Vision Optometry.
  4. Passage of the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry Examination or Documented Practice in Medical Eye Care.

Subspecialties in Low Vision Optometry

To Be Determined


More Information

  • Criteria for Optometry Specialty Board Membership
  • Apply for Optometry Specialty Board Membership

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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