If you’re considering retirement or your daily responsibilities have shifted away from direct patient care, there’s no reason to give up your hard-earned American Board of Ophthalmology certification. Consider the following options:
No Longer Practicing Clinical Ophthalmology
Diplomates employed in research, administration, or academia, who no longer engage in direct ophthalmic patient care, may designate themselves as Clinically Inactive. The Clinically Inactive Status option allows diplomates to maintain their ABO certification by participating in Parts I, II, and III of MOC. This status is also an option for diplomates who have retired from clinical practice, but continue to work in a related administrative, teaching, or research capacity. Diplomates who self-designate this status are publicly reported to patients and credentialing organizations as “Certified, Clinically Inactive.” This is a permanent status change and is not intended to cover temporary leaves of absence.
No Longer Practicing in Any Capacity
Diplomates who fully retire from active practice have the option to apply for Retired status. This designation allows diplomates who no longer practice ophthalmology in any capacity to essentially “freeze” their certificate in time. Since these diplomates are no longer practicing, their certificate is not subject to requirements such as having an active medical license or participating in practice improvement activities. These diplomates are publicly reported to patients and credentialing organizations as “Retired.” Retired Status is a permanent diplomate status change and is not intended to cover temporary leaves of absence.
Temporary Leaves
If you are considering a leave of absence and have questions about how your leave may affect your ability to complete MOC, please contact the ABO Office at moc@abop.org or 610-664-1175. Staff will work with you on a plan to fit your circumstances.