The American Board of Ophthalmology’s MOC process has replaced the current recertification requirements beginning in 2006, for ophthalmologists Board Certified after July 1, 1992. Developed according to standards established by the American Board of Medical Specialties, MOC is designed for practicing ophthalmologists to complete over a 10-year period. Other medical specialties are completing a similar process. Visit the
ABO’s Web site for more detailed information.
The POC is the knowledge base of ophthalmic information that will serve as the basis for the ABO’s MOC examinations. Organized in outline format by practice emphasis area (i.e., subspecialty), it is comprised of the clinically relevant information a practicing ophthalmologist needs to know to remain certified. This information also forms the basis for the Academy’s Maintenance of Certification products and services.
The high-level list of topics upon which the ABO will base its MOC examinations.
The nine subspecialty areas and Comprehensive Ophthalmology, as defined by the ABO, that ophthalmologists can be tested on as part of the MOC process. In addition to Core Ophthalmic Knowledge (required), PEAs include:
- Comprehensive Ophthalmology
- Cataract/Anterior Segment
- Cornea/External Disease
- Glaucoma
- Neuro-Ophthalmology and Orbit
- Oculoplastics and Orbit
- Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus
- Refractive Management/Intervention
- Retina/Vitreous
- Uveitis
The fundamental ophthalmic knowledge every practicing ophthalmologist should know regardless of practice emphasis. All ophthalmologists participating in the MOC process will be required to be tested in Core.
The ABO’s MOC process to assess knowledge using online examinations (PORT and DOCK) and a review of practice performance (ORR). For more information, visit the
ABO’s Web site.
- DOCK (Demonstration of Ophthalmic Cognitive Knowledge)
This is a proctored, closed-book 150-item exam that will replace the take-home, open-book CREW examination beginning in September 2006. Administered at approximately 300 nationally distributed computer test centers, the DOCK consists of three 50-question modules, one in Core (required) and two in practice emphasis areas of your choice (you may select one PEA twice if you like). The DOCK is typically taken in years 8-10 of the MOC process.
- ORR (Office Record Review)
A self-review measuring performance in practice against modules that encompass the standards of care and practice patterns related to different disease entities. This is typically completed during years 3-4 of the MOC process.
- PORT (Periodic Ophthalmic Review Test)
Two 50-item, online self-review tests required by the ABO – one in Core Ophthalmic Knowledge and one in a practice emphasis area of your choice. Diplomates must complete two PORT examinations, typically during years 5-7 of the MOC process prior to their taking the DOCK examination.
