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Glossary of New Terms

MOC: Maintenance of Certification

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.

POC: Practicing Ophthalmologists Curriculum

The POC is the knowledge base of ophthalmic information that the ABO uses as the basis for MOC examinations. POC topics are developed in an easy-to-read outline format and organized by practice emphasis area (i.e., subspecialty). The POC comprises the most clinically relevant information a practicing ophthalmologist needs to know to remain certified. Download the POC. The POC also forms the basis for the Academy’s Maintenance of Certification products and services.
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PEA: Practice Emphasis Area

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
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Core Ophthalmic Knowledge

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.
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MOC Examinations

The ABO’s MOC process to assess knowledge includes the DOCK and the PORT. 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.
  • 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.
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Practice Performance Assessment

Beginning in 2012, there will be two options for Diplomates to complete the Part 4 Performance Assessment:

  • 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.

  • Practice Improvement Modules (PIMs) - available beginning July 2012
    Practice Improvement Modules (PIMs) are self-directed online activities that require practicing ophthalmologists to review 30 patient records associated with a diagnosis or diagnoses that they wish to improve upon. PIMs assist ophthalmologists with the evaluation of their practice standards; identify areas for improvement through self-assessment and promote the reduction of gaps in quality of care through improved patient outcomes.

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