Board Certification Update

October 2009

The Texas Optometric Association is closely following developments of the American Board of Optometry and the plans for board certification. The AOA has been conducting periodic conference calls with state leaders, and has been communicating to all membership on a regular basis through the AOA News. The TOA Board is exploring various ways to support members in preparations for the eventual examination. No specifics are yet available since a testing agency has yet to be contracted, but we will keep you apprised of ABO progress in tandem with AOA. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at the TOA office.

From AOA News: NCQA: Profession is "clearly on the right path" with ABO

"The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which accredits health care plans in all 50 states, covering 109 million Americans - 70.5 percent of those who are enrolled in health plans - has stated its support for the creation of the American Board of Optometry."

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In a letter to State leaders from Randolph E. Brooks, O.D., AOA President: Board Certification will not interfere with State licensure

"The AOA, on behalf of its members, will be proactive during this time to ensure that licensure and BC remain distinct and separate. We will also seek to clarify the record about the process as the need arises. ... As national health care reform develops, the American Board of Optometry is beginning the important, challenging task of implementing a national model for board certification (BC) and maintenance of certification (MOC) for optometrists to ensure unfettered access to our services by patients."

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