What does ABO mean in OPTOMETRY

American Board of Optometry (ABO) is an independent, nonprofit organization that certifies optometrists in both primary eye care and advanced subspecialty areas. It was founded in 1977 to protect public health and welfare by certifying the individual qualifications of optometrists in order to assist healthcare professionals and the public in evaluating and selecting qualified practitioners.

To become board-certified with ABO, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as completing specific education and clinical experience. After that, you must pass a rigourous written examination covering a broad range of skills pertaining to eye care. Upon successful completion of all prerequisites and exams, you will be awarded certification from ABO.

Certification from ABO is not required for practice; however it does demonstrate advanced expertise in optometry that many patients find attractive when choosing a provider. In addition, some states may require certain levels of credentialing by ABO prior to licensing or continuing education requirements.

Obtaining certification from ABO can open doors to many different paths and opportunities related to eye care, such as research positions or teaching assignments. Becoming board certified also demonstrates higher levels of dedication and knowledge which may improve job prospects within the field.

Benefits include recognition as a board certified optometrist with peers, demonstrating your commitment to professionalism, gaining access to information on continuing education activities related to optometry, networking with fellow certified members, increasing your marketability for potential employers/patients, maintaining status within your scope of practice laws regarding licensure renewal requirements etc.

Your board certification does not expire; however you are required to meet recertification requirements every 10 years which includes 100 hours of approved continuing education credit (CECs). Renewal is not automatic so make sure you plan accordingly!

The written exam covers areas such as anatomy & physiology, microbiology & pathology, ocular pharmacotherapeutics & therapeutics devices physical diagnosis & management visual optics & aberration theory refraction & contact lenses low vision rehabilitation ocular disease etc!

No there are no age restrictions on taking the written exam administered by ABO; however it's highly recommended that applicants have at least three years experience working clinically upon submission of their application.

Yes study materials such as books or review guides are available for purchase via various vendors but it's important to note these are only supplemental resources; all content covered on the exam will be based solely off what an applicant knows without any assistance.

Generally speaking applicants should receive their test scores within three weeks after completion but exact timelines can vary depending on demand at any given time.