AMERICAN BOARD OF OPHTHALMOLOGY

Accomplishing the American Board of Ophthalmology's mission and honoring its principles requires the successful execution of two processes: initial certification that typically occurs early in an ophthalmologist's career, after the completion of formal educational programs, followed by periodic demonstrations of competence and professionalism throughout the ophthalmologist's years in clinical practice. The latter has been termed “Maintenance of Certification” or “Continuing Certification.”

Since 1916, the ABO has conducted over 246 written and oral examinations for initial certification, certifying more than 34,000 ophthalmologists. As regards periodic reconfirmation of competence and professionalism, the ABO is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and follows its continuing certification standards. These require that diplomates possess an unrestricted medical license, complete continuing medical education (CME) activities, demonstrate clinical practice knowledge, and participate in activities to improve the quality of medical care.

The American Board of Ophthalmology's strategic goals include maintaining financial viability while keeping fees as low as possible and ensuring that the organization fulfills its societal responsibility of professional self-regulation. The ABO's strategic priorities are based on seven guiding principles:

1. Certification promotes and recognizes aspirational goals, not minimum standards.
2. Certification is a lifelong process that promotes excellence through continuous improvement.
3. Certification should be voluntary, as our founders intended.
4. Certification should be challenging and meaningful, yet not burdensome to busy practitioners.
5. ABO diplomates are professionals and colleagues, and we honor them accordingly.
6. The ABO stewards its finances with integrity and transparency.
7. The ABO is an independent certifying board of practicing ophthalmologists who collaborate whenever possible with professional societies, organizations, and other stakeholders who strive to advance excellence.

The American Board of Ophthalmology's greatest asset is the dedicated commitment of approximately 600 volunteer ophthalmologists, who create examination material and administer the oral examination without compensation. The ABO collaborates closely with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the largest membership society in ophthalmology, and approximately a dozen subspecialty organizations.

The ABO is governed by a volunteer board composed of practicing ophthalmologists and two public directors. The composition of the board ideally represents its constituency as regards gender, ethnicity, practice setting, geography, and subspecialty focus. Because all certificates issued by the ABO since 1992 have been time-limited (that is, with a ten-year expiration date), all new appointees to the board hold time-limited certificates or, if certified prior to 1992, voluntarily participate in continuing certification. The board’s day-to-day operations are managed by a full-time professional staff.

Governmental Activities
In collaboration with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), supported efforts to protect the voluntary system of physician self-regulation.

Socioeconomic Activities
Worked with the ABMS, other certifying boards, and certification stakeholders to recognize and reward participation in Continuing Certification.
With the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), enabled diplomates to use Improvement in Medical Practice activities to meet Continuing Certification and MIPS requirements.
In partnership with the AAO and Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company (OMIC), incentivized diplomate participation in an educational webinar designed to promote quality improvement in practice.
Secured GI Bill® reimbursement eligibility for Written Qualifying Examination (WQE), Oral Examination, and Quarterly Questions® program fees from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Public Service Activities and EyeCare America Activities
Administered the 246th examination since 1916
Supported 23,164 active diplomates; 14,350 of whom are participating in Continuing Certification.
Provided diplomates with subscription-free access to more than 250 peer-reviewed articles on critical public health topics including health care disparities and ophthalmic trauma.
Enhanced patient protections by enforcing a seven-year board eligibility window for the pursuit of certification following graduation from an accredited residency program.
Offered qualified internationally trained ophthalmologists the opportunity to apply for certification via an alternate pathway.
Revoked the certifications of ophthalmologists whose conduct jeopardized the health and well-being of ophthalmic patients.

Membership Activities
Held the third annual roundtable for representatives of subspecialty and professional organizations in ophthalmology to discuss topics including physician well-being, the assessment of patient care, and the recognition of practice focus.
Hosted an online Resident Town Hall for more than 200 graduating residents to introduce the board certification and the legacy of professional
Advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession by providing financial support for the AAO/AUPO Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program and the Rabb-Venable Ophthalmology Research Program.
Supported women in ophthalmology by accommodating nursing mothers during ABO examinations.

Major Initiatives for the Year
Administered the Oral Examination online for the fifth consecutive year.
Initiated a comprehensive digital transformation effort to improve the user experience across websites and platforms.
Engaged the community of ophthalmology and other health care stakeholders in continuously improving our processes and programs.
Implemented strategies to enhance the board certification experience from residency graduation through recertification.
Measured progress towards organizational goals and objectives using a balanced scorecard.