Joint Board Certification Project Team

The mission statement of the Joint Board Certification Project Team:

Develop and propose an attainable, credible and defensible model for Board Certification in Optometry and maintenance of certification for adoption by the profession. This model will establish standards for voluntary board certification and maintenance of certification in the practice of optometry. This model will communicate information about these standards to support the public’s quest for high quality health care.

–Adopted by Joint Board Certification Project Team, November 2007

See related news and information at http://certification.aoa.org/

Recommendations of the AOA House of Delegates, June 26, 2009

After lengthy debate, the AOA House of Delegates passed a motion that authorizes the AOA to participate in the American Board of Optometry. The motion recommends the following, a slight modification to the previous model:

The following will be in effect for those who apply within a three-year window from the date on which the American Board of Optometry accepts applications, regardless of the date of completion:

Completion of an ACOE-approved residency is worth all 150 points
Completion of Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry (Clinical) is worth 50 points, and
Completion of Fellowship in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development is worth 50 points

Also, 150 Experience in Practice Points will be accrued equal to five points per year of active licensure.

Amended Motion as Passed
COMING SOON: New Brochure

JBCPT Model Framework for Board Certification
May 5, 2009 Version

Based on feedback from the profession, the JBCPT modified their original framework to include an option of board eligible/active candidate status, a modification in the proposed governance structure of the American Board of Optometry, and special dispensation for those who apply within a three-year window from the date on which the American Board of Optometry accepts applications:

ACOE-accredited residency will count 150 points regardless of when completed.
Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry (Clinical) will count 50 points regardless of when completed.
Experience in Practice Points will be accrued equal to 3 points per year of active licensure (Max 75 points)

May 5, 2009 Draft Model American Board of Optometry Requirements for BOARD CERTIFICATION [pdf]

Draft Model American Board of Optometry Requirements for MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION (MOC) [pdf]

PowerPoint presentation
[pdf version]

JBCPT Questions and Answers Series

Frequently Asked Questions of the Joint Board Certification Project Team
- Part I
- Part II
- Part III
- Part IV
- Part V

AOA News Articles

“Changes Include ‘Board Eligible’ Status, Governance” – April 13, 2009
“Project Team Takes Questions About Proposal” – March 23, 2009
“JBCPT Hosts Open Forum at SECO” – March 23, 2009
“Project Team Takes Questions About Proposal” – March 9, 2009
“Preventing History from Repeating” – March 9, 2009
“Team Outlines Model for Maintenance of Certification”- February 23, 2009
“Project Team Takes Questions About Proposal”- February 23, 2009
“Organizations Draft Process For Board Certification”- January 19, 2009
“State Leaders Consider Board Certification Model”- February 2, 2009

January 23, 2009 Presidents’ Council

Press Release -Joint Board Certification Project Team Proposes Draft Board Certification Process for Optometry