American Board of Optometry

Our mission is to advance the quality of eye care by promoting excellence through education, assessment, practice and professionalism, for the benefit of all patients. The American Board of Optometry (ABO) was founded in 2009 as a non-profit organization that board certifies optometrists in the United States and Canada. Board certification is a voluntary process that sets educational and practice standards and offers a means of demonstrating ongoing clinical competence through maintenance of certification. The ABO pledges to achieve our mission through a commitment to the following principles. ABO is pleased to offer the Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) credential to Diplomates who demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise, and who provide patient care with emphasis on, and commitment to, these focused areas of optometry. Applying to become an Active Candidate is the first step.