Demonstration of Ophthalmic Cognitive Knowledge (DOCK)
The Demonstration of Ophthalmic Cognitive Knowledge (DOCK) examination tests fundamental cognitive knowledge, as well as current and clinically valid practice related knowledge. The content of the DOCK exam is based on the Practicing Ophthalmologists Curriculum (POC), a clinically relevant ophthalmic knowledge base developed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology at the request of the Board. For more information on the POC and how to access the content of the POC, click here.
Overview
The DOCK is a secure, proctored, 150-item computer-based examination administered at nationally-distributed computerized testing center locations for a period of one month each year throughout September. The registration filing period runs from February-June 1 of each year for the September DOCK. (Late registrations are accepted until August 1 if accompanied by a $300 late fee.)
The exam is administered in an approximately four hour testing period.
DOCK consists of one 50-item module on core ophthalmic knowledge and two 50-item modules drawn from the practice emphasis areas listed below. There are two versions of most practice emphasis modules, however, there is only one version of the Refractive Management/Intervention and Uveitis modules. Diplomates can opt to select two modules from one practice emphasis area or one module from two different practice emphasis areas.
- Comprehensive Ophthalmology
- Cataract/Anterior Segment
- Cornea/External Disease
- Glaucoma
- Neuro-ophthalmology and Orbit
- Oculoplastics and Orbit
- Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus
- Retina/Vitreous
- Refractive Management/Intervention
- Uveitis
DOCK Content and Scoring
The Practicing Ophthalmologists Curriculum (POC) will serve as the basis for the content of the DOCK. Other areas to be covered in the DOCK include patient safety, environment of medical practice and ethics. Diplomates will be required to achieve an overall passing grade based on the combined grades of all three modules.
Applying for the September DOCK
Eligible diplomates will be able to apply for the September 1-30 DOCK via the Online Services Center from February – June 1. (Late registrations are accepted until August 1 if accompanied by a $300 late fee.)
DOCK Scheduling
Approved diplomates will be sent an email with instructions for scheduling an appointment at an ACT Center location.
The email containing your scheduling information will be sent from the email address: ABO@ACT.org. Please add the ACT domain to your safe senders list to ensure that you receive this important message. To add an email domain to your Safe Senders List, the ABO suggests the following two methods:
1. Contact your ISP and ask that email from ACT be accepted;
2. View the options of the security setting and spam-blocking tools on your email program to determine if you can "whitelist" the ACT. For example, Microsoft Outlook will allow you to add a specific email address or a specific email domain (@ACT.org) to a safe senders list. (To do this in Microsoft Outlook: highlight the email; click on Actions in the toolbar; click on Junk Email; click on Add Sender to Safe Senders List or Add Senders Domain (@ACT.org) to Safe Senders List).
Diplomates will be instructed to schedule immediately upon receipt of the instructions. Every effort will be made to ensure a requested test site is honored, however diplomates who do not schedule in a timely fashion may not be able to schedule an appointment at their desired testing center.
DOCK Timeframe
The DOCK is completed once during the MOC cycle. Please refer to the MOC timeframe chart to determine your specific requirements.
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