Subspecialties in Optometry

Subspecialties in Optometry means the specialized areas of the optometry profession.  Optometrists perform comprehensive examinations of the eye (both internally and externally), evaluate the visual system, diagnose any problems, and then prescribe an appropriate treatment.

All optometrists can provide general eye and vision care, some optometrists specialize in specific areas of optometry. The areas of specialization in optometry are as follows. Subspecialties.

 

Subspecialties in Optometry

  • Contact Lenses
  • Vision Therapy
  • Low Vision
  • Sports Vision
  • Behavioural Optometry
  • Geriatric optometry
  • Neuro Optometry
  • Pediatric Optometry

American Board of Optometry Specialties

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. Furthermore, the specialities of Pediatric and Low Vision Optometry need to be further developed along with the creation of their respective certification boards. In order to facilitate the development of optometry speciality boards, and to ensure high standards for all specialities, the American Board of Optometry Specialties (ABOS) needs to be implemented. ABOS is the optometric analogue of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Recognized Optometry Specialty and Certification Board

1. Medical Optometry

American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO)

Medical optometrists diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of conditions of the eye. They prescribe medications, diagnostic tests, eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Speciality Certification in Medical Optometry Administered by American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO) Requirements

  1. Completion of a full-time, ACOE (or equivalent) accredited, postgraduate clinical residency training program having a major emphasis on medical optometry.
  2. Passage of the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry exam (or equivalent) offered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).
  3. Documented significant practice of medical optometry for a minimum of two years immediately prior to application for certification.

1.1. Subspecialties of Medical Optometry

1.1.1 Cornea and External Disease
Subspecialty includes the diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases of the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva and eyelids. Includes the management of complex contact lenses cases.

1.1.2 Glaucoma
Subspecialty includes the diagnosis, treatment and management of glaucoma and other disorders usually associated with increased intraocular pressure.

1.1.3 Neuro-Ophthalmic Disorders
Subspecialty includes the relationship between neurologic and ophthalmic diseases. Manages local pathology affecting the optic nerve and visual pathways and the visual effects of traumatic brain injury. Includes the evaluation and management of problems that involve the afferent and efferent visual and visual-motor systems.

1.1.4 Retina
Subspecialty includes the diagnosis and management of various diseases that affect the retina and vitreous.

1.1.5 Laser and Surgical Procedures
Includes laser therapy, radio frequency surgery, oculofacial biopsy, chalazion management and other advanced procedures.

 

Subspecialty Certification Requirements

To become certified in a particular Subspecialty, an optometrist must

  1. Receive certification by the parent Specialty Board such as the ABCMO.
  2. Achieve Diplomate status in a relevant American Academy of Optometry Section or Special Interest Group.
  3. Complete two years of a subspecialty clinical fellowship or equivalent.
  4. Passage of Subspecialty Examination offered by the NBEO.
  5. For more information regarding medical subspecialties please visit ABCMO.org

The Following Specialties Require Further Development and Establishment of Certification Boards

 

2. 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

  • Achieve Diplomate status in the Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry Section of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).
  • One year residency training or two years of pediatric practice.
  • Examination as prescribed by the Specialty Board.

Subspecialties in Pediatric Optometry

They are to be augmented later after the Specialty Board is formed.

3. 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 the prescription of optical aids and other devices. Also, includes training and counselling of patients.

Certification Requirements

  • Achieve Diplomate status in the Low Vision Section of the American Academy of Optometry.
    One year of residency training or two years of low vision practice.
  • Examination as prescribed by the Specialty Board.

Subspecialties in Low Vision Optometry
They are to be augmented later after the Specialty Board is formed.

 

Criteria for the Establishment of an Optometry Specialty Board

The speciality board issuing certifications in a speciality shall be an independent, not-for-profit entity with a board of directors and officers of up to 7 individuals of which the majority of voting members are licensed practitioners of the speciality and two non-voting members who will represent the public interest.

The board may have ex officio members representing the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and the independent entity preparing and administering its national written speciality examination testing competence in the speciality required to apply for speciality certification.

The speciality may be a blend, mixture or concentration of one or more ASCO listed residencies, but preferentially have a major emphasis within one of the 11 ASCO listed residencies.

American Board of Optometry Specialties (ABOS)
The development and administration of all Specialty Boards to be overseen and assisted by the American Board of Optometry Specialties (ABOS).

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