The American Board of Ophthalmology is now accepting online applications from qualified internationally trained ophthalmologists who practice in the United States and wish to become board certified. Applicants interested in entering the program in 2017 have until November 1 to apply.
Current eligibility requirements for the ABO certification process include completion of residency training in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical education (ACGME)-accredited training program in the United States or in a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (RCPSC)-accredited training program in Canada. The ABO recognizes, however, that many licensed, qualified ophthalmologists who practice in the United States were trained elsewhere. Therefore, in accordance with its mission, the ABO has approved a pathway for internationally trained ophthalmologists (ITOs) to obtain certification. The foundation of the program for ITOs to qualify for participation is a combination of verifiable information on the individual’s training and practice as well as participation in self-assessment and practice performance assessments.
Applicants must have a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years and must have been practicing in the United States for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years at the time of application.
Applicants are also required to have a certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
In addition to completing the ABO’s two-part certification examination process, participation in the ITO Program requires the submission of verifiable training and practice histories as well as participation in self-assessment and practice performance assessment activities.
Click here for more information on eligibility and the application process.