Frequently
Asked Questions - Medical Organizations
General Verification of a Physician's Board Certification
The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) is the primary resource for verifying that an ophthalmologist is Board Certified.
The ABO does not provide verification of a physician's certification by telephone, computer or fax.
If you do not require written verification, you can find out whether an ophthalmologist is certified by the ABO by utilizing one of the following methods:
- Refer to the publication The Official American Board of Medical Specialties Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists
(ABMS). This publication of Marquis Who’s Who can be found in regional, main or medical libraries.
- Use the ABMS web page at www.abms.org.
- Verify the certification of any medical specialist certified by one of the 24 medical specialty boards of the ABMS by calling 1-866-ASK-ABMS (275-2267).
Formal Verification of a Physician's Board Certification
The ABO is the primary resource for verifying that an ophthalmologist is Board Certified. If you require a formal written verification of a physician’s certification you must submit a written request to the ABO. [ABO contact page] Your request must include the physician’s name and a check in the amount of $35 made payable to the American Board of Ophthalmology.
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How can I find out an ophthalmologist’s status with the ABO?
The ABO does not issue statements of "eligibility" for its examinations. The only information the ABO will divulge is whether a physician is or is not certified or recertified. Inquiries to the ABO by outside agencies about the certification status of physicians who have inactive applications or who hold lapsed certificates will be answered by stating that said physician is not Board certified. The ABO charges a $35 fee for each formal verification of a physician's certification.
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Do you have “Guidelines for Staff Privileges”?
No, the ABO is solely a certifying body and as such does not have guidelines for staff privileges.
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What are the educational requirements for a physician to become Board Certified?
Certification by the ABO is a voluntary process, and is the last step in a long and intensive educational experience designed to assure quality eye care for the American people. Please refer to the
Board's requirements for certification. After successfully completing these requirements, a candidate may sit for the Board certification process.
The Board certification process includes two examinations: a written examination and an oral examination. The certification application and examination process requires a minimum of one and one-half to two years to complete, during which time the candidate is usually in clinical practice or in a fellowship program acquiring advanced training in one of the subspecialties of ophthalmology.
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What are the future dates of exams and deadlines for applications?
See our list of examination dates and deadlines
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