Ophthalmology Eligibility Highlights | ABPS Board Certification

Ophthalmology Board Certification – Eligibility Highlights

Successful candidates who complete the ophthalmology board certification exam from the Board of Certification in Ophthalmology (BCO) have demonstrated that they possess the core knowledge and experience to provide the best possible care in ophthalmology. While the BCO has its own set of eligibility requirements, each Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) abides by the same set of general eligibility requirements. These include:

Agreeing to conform to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics
Graduation from a recognized college of medicine
Ownership of a valid, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state, or states, where the applicant practices diagnostic radiology
Three current, original letters of recommendation from physicians in the applicant’s community or specialty written on letterhead and including a phone number of the author
Submission of a self-query in the National Practitioner Data Bank, with the sealed report in an unopened envelope
Submission to a background check

Highlights of the BCO’s specific eligibility requirements include completion of an AOA-accredited Osteopathic residency or an ACGME-accredited residency in Ophthalmology, as well as submission of a documented summary of a minimum of twenty (20) surgical cases in which the applicant had the lead management role. Case reports must be no older than twelve (12) months from the date the candidate’s application for certification is received by ABPS.

To learn more about the details of the BCO’s specific eligibility requirements, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

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Patient Care Is Our Priority

Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO

Internal Medicine

When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD

Emergency Medicine

When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD

Administrative Medicine

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