Diplomate Digest - The American Board of Ophthalmology Blog

Over two cold December days in Memphis, Tennessee, 10 pioneering physicians assembled at the University of Tennessee Medical School to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and experience in ophthalmology—and set the precedent for excellence in American medicine. The written examination, held on December 13, required candidates to answer a series of questions in embryology, anatomy, pathology, and diseases of the eye. On the second day, candidates participated in an oral clini

The ABO invites you to complete the following surveys to update the knowledge standards used to assess board certified ophthalmologists. These surveys are the first of many planned Co-Design Activities in which your input will be used to construct the certification program of the future. From a best practices standpoint, conducting a Job Analysis Survey helps the Board to validate the importance, criticality, and relevance of core and subspecialty ophthalmic knowledge areas.

In 2017, you'll hear a lot about "Co-Design." An initiative that reflects the Board's commitment to community and collaboration in board certification, Co-Design will provide a range of opportunities for diplomates to shape the future of certification programs and processes. Co-Design is an approach to change that involves all stakeholders as partners--not just participants--to ensure the end result meets their needs. Co-Design programs have been used successfully in a number

One hundred years and 30,000 certificates later, the ABO continues to issue the public’s most trusted credential for specialty knowledge, skills, and experience in ophthalmology. Board certification has left a lasting impact on the quality and standards for training in ophthalmology and in the 23 other medical specialties who have since followed ophthalmology’s lead. The ABO celebrates all doctors who choose higher standards through board certification and looks forward to cr

In recognition for dedicated service to the administration of 20 or more examinations, three longtime American Board of Ophthalmology volunteers received the Ben Goldfeller Award at the Fall 2016 Oral Examination. Pictured from left to right, 2016 honorees included: Don Liu, M.D. Steven M. Shields, M.D. Rebecca K. Morgan, M.D. The award is named for the late Mr. Ben Goldfeller, a resident of San Francisco and longtime friend of the ABO, who volunteered at 50 Oral Examinations

1. Your certificate is still the only recognized credential for expertise in ophthalmology. For patients, there has never been more information--nor confusion--involved in choosing a physician. Web searches turn up thousands of results. Patient ratings are often unverified. Medical licensure stops short of confirming specialty focus. So where can patients turn for reliable information? In large numbers, they come to the Board website or call the Board Office to research the

The commitment and dedication of nearly 600 Examiners and Exam Development volunteers make it possible for the Board to administer comprehensive, peer-developed assessments and professional development activities. Examiners for the American Board of Ophthalmology are diplomates selected by the ABO to examine at the oral examination, item writers for both the written and oral examinations and as special committee members in the development of examination materials. Examiners a