Announcements
Announcements including deadline changes, recently approved residency programs, new diplomates, policy changes, updated documents, and calls for board/committee nominations will be posted on this page of the site.
November 18, 2024
Exam Committee
The 2025 ABVO Certifying Examination will take place over two separate time periods. The Image Recognition (IR) and Multiple Choice (MC) parts of the Examination will be administered virtually, Tuesday, July 29th and Wednesday, July 30th, respectively, and the Practical part will be administered in person, the week of August 11-15, 2025 in Gainesville, FL. Candidates taking the Practical part will be assigned a specific date during the week of August 11 once the schedule has been finalized, in May 2025. For the IR and MC parts of the Examination, both remote proctoring software and in-person proctors will be utilized. Candidates will need to identify their own proctor. Information about proctor requirements will be available soon.
November 15, 2024
Credentials Committee
The 2025 Credentials Certifying Examination Application opens today, November 15th, to all 2025 finishing residents and previously board eligible candidates. The application deadline is January 15th, 2025 at 11:59pm (MT).
Credentials Exam Application Submission Process
All applications are submitted directly through the ABVO portal. After you have logged into the resident portal through the ABVO website, select the "ABVO Certifying Examination Application Form" link currently located at the top of the on the main page of the ABVO portal. Please make sure that your email address and all contact information in the ABVO portal is up to date before submitting your application.
Fees are $100 for each application and must be paid through a separate, secure online payment form located on the credentials information page. The payment is also due by the January 15th deadline.
Supervising Diplomate forms must be filled out and submitted by each supervising diplomate through the ABVO portal by the January 15th deadline.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact the ABVO Office for further assistance.
November 5, 2024
ABVO
As requested during the 2024 ABVO Meeting, the 2024 Credentialing Report has been updated to include the Residency Committee appendix. The ABVO also approved to share the Historical Pass Percentages for Certification Examination. Both can be found on the “ABVO Information” page of the website under the ABVO Annual Credentialing Reports & Summaries section found here: https://www.abvo.us/abvo
November 1, 2024
MOC Committee
All mandatory MOC (diplomates that were boarded in 2019) are due to the ACVO office by the ABVO/MOC online application submission form, found on the MOC page of the ABVO.us website, by 11:59pm (MST) December 31st, 2024. All of these applications will be reviewed by the MOC committee and graded and reported to the ABVO board by midnight MST, February 28th, 2025.The ABVO has until March 31st, 2025, MST to report either pass or fail of maintenance of certification to all mandatory applicants for the December 31st cycle. Notification will be issued to the email address provided in the application, please check your spam and clutter after this date.
Any failed mandatory applicants may reapply for Maintenance of Certification by 11:59pm (MST) June 30th, 2025. All applications will be reviewed by the MOC committee and graded and reported to the ABVO board by August 31, 2025, by midnight MST. The ABVO has until September 30th, 2025, MST to report either pass or fail of maintenance of certification to all mandatory applications for the June 30th cycle. Notification will be issued to the email address provided in the application
All Mandatory MOC candidates maintain diplomate status unless a letter is issued from the ABVO, stating that the applicant failed to maintain certification of diplomate status. If a letter is needed to affirm good standing, this may be requested from the ABVO office.
A reprieve of 60-90 days may be granted for mandatory applicants due to a for documented emergency that is received and confirmed with a reply within 30 days of the applications deadline. All communications must be made through abvomoc@acvo.org, and may be copied to the office@acvo.org if desired. No other form or routing of communication will be accepted.
Voluntary MOC Applications
Applications for voluntary applications (those boarded prior to 2015) are due via the ABVO/MOC online application submission form, found on the MOC page of the ABVO.us website, by 11:59pm (MST) June 30th, 2025. These may be submitted at any time between November 1st and this date.
*All voluntary applications will be reviewed after the June 30th deadline and a decision returned by August 1st.
Sincerely,
Sean Collins and Drew Enders
Chair and Vice Chair of ABVO Maintenance of Certification Committee for 2024 - 2025
August 30, 2024
ABVO
ABVO is pleased to congratulate the following new ACVO Diplomates from the 2024 ABVO Exam!
Listed below are the 29 candidates who have passed all three sections of the 2024 ABVO Examination and were granted ACVO diplomate status in August 2024. They are now officially, 'ophthalmologists', 'specialists', and 'DACVO's' and may use the following ACVO trademarks; 'DACVO' and/or 'Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists' as their credentials. New Diplomates will receive a complimentary membership to the ACVO for the remainder of 2024.
Be sure to read their biographies and thank you notes that will be included in the digital ACVO Membership Meeting agenda packet, which will be distributed to all members in time for the business meeting in Savannah!
*New in 2024: To celebrate their accomplishment, the New Diplomate Induction and Celebration is scheduled for the ACVO Conference in Savannah, GA, on Friday, October 25th, 4:00pm – 5:30pm! All conference attendees, family, and friends are welcome to attend the entire induction and celebration. Please plan to attend the celebration in support of our New Diplomates! (Review the outline of how the updated recognition event will occur.)
Reminder: The ACVO AMVM and ABVO Meetings will occur on Saturday morning.
Dr. Billie Beckwith-Cohen
Dr. Taylor Belk
Dr. Erica Bono
Dr. Jessica Burn
Dr. Kourtney Dowler
Dr. Valerie Dufour
Dr. Karen Fisher
Dr. Jenelle Francis
Dr. Steven Hanes
Dr. Jonathan Hirsch
Dr. William Irving
Dr. Haley Jost
Dr. Martha Julien
Dr. Mary Landis
Dr. Geneviève Lavallée
Dr. Paoul Martinez
Dr. Danielle Micceri
Dr. Michael Minaldi
Dr. Melanie Mironovich
Dr. Leah Moody
Dr. Laison Nguyen
Dr. Taylor Opgenorth
Dr. Lauren Page
Dr. Benjamin Reynolds
Dr. Elyse Salpeter
Dr. Alex Schenk
Dr. Elizabeth Soler
Dr. Tara Stonex
Dr. Taylor Wickware
Congratulations new Diplomates!! Bios and thank you's for all 2024 New Diplomates will also be updated on the Members Only page of the DACVO.org website in the next few weeks.
August 21, 2024
ABVO
Response to examination candidates and mentors regarding current status of target materials for the ABVO Certification Examination.
As most of you know, the ABVO Board sought input from our Diplomate stakeholders regarding potential changes to the target materials for the ABVO Certifying Examination. The response rate from our Diplomate stakeholders was good. This input has been collated and the ABVO Board has begun the process of evaluating the data.
There are currently no changes to the target materials for the 2025 ABVO Certifying Examination, or any future ABVO Certifying Examination at this time. If any changes to the target materials were to be proposed and approved, there would be a general announcement to both residents and mentors. To minimize disruption to residents and mentors, any such announcement would occur at least one year before the examination for which it takes effect.
August 15, 2024
Exam Committee
ABVO Examination results letters have been posted to all 2024 exam candidates’ portals. All candidates were notified these were available for viewing via email.
A list of the new ACVO Diplomates will be announced to the membership the last week of August after all exam candidates have had a chance to view their results.
July 3, 2024
ABVO
2024 Elections Announcement
The ABVO extends its appreciation to our 2024 board candidates for agreeing to run for office in support of the ABVO and its goals. All of the nominated Diplomates have demonstrated outstanding service to the ACVO and ABVO over the years. Thank you, Drs. Rachel Allbaugh and Mark Nasisse, for all of your past service and leadership!
Three hundred and nine Diplomates voted in this election, and by majority vote, Dr. Rachel Allbaugh was elected as the ABVO's next board member, with her term beginning fall 2024. We appreciate all of you who took the time to vote and would encourage all Diplomates to vote in the future.
The ABVO holds its elections each spring online. A call for nominations will be sent to all Diplomates no later than April 1st, and voting will begin June 1st. If you are interested in being nominated in the future or wish to nominate someone else, please review the board qualifications when promoted online next year and send nomination materials to the ACVO Office. Please note you may nominate yourself.
The board tries to maintain a balance between members in academia and those in private practice to best ensure the public is protected and that the views of all members are represented fairly.
Thank you again for your participation and we thank Dr. Allbaugh for her future service.
Sincerely,
ABVO Members
Dr. Ralph Hamor
Dr. Brad Nadelstein
Dr. Jane Cho
Dr. Mary Lassaline
Mr. Kyle Denomme (Public Member)
April 9, 2024
ABVO
The ABVO is seeking input from our stakeholders regarding the Target Material for the ABVO Certification Examination proposal. A survey was sent out to all ACVO Members today, April 9th, and will be open for three (3) months.
Prior to submitting your response to the survey, please review the following announcements regarding these materials.
This survey is coming from Survey Monkey. Please check your spam/junk folder if you do not see it in your inbox. If you are still not able to find the link to the survey in your email, please email the ABVO office.
Thank you for your valuable input!
ABVO
April 1, 2024
ABVO
Dear ACVO Diplomates,
Nominations are sought for one position on the American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ABVO) that will become open upon the completion of ABVO Chairperson, Dr. Ralph Hamor's term, fall 2024. Continuing ABVO members (and their term completion dates) include, Incoming Chairperson - Dr. Brad Nadelstein (2025), Dr. Jane Cho (2026), Dr. Mary Lassaline (2027), and Mr. Kyle Denomme (Public Member, 2026). ABVO Member terms are for four years, and persons may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
Any ACVO Diplomate may nominate an ACVO Diplomate to serve on the ABVO; diplomates may also self-nominate. To review updated qualification requirements to serve on the ABVO, review section 2.03 of the ABVO Policies & procedures document.
Although the term of office does not officially begin until immediately after the fall 2024 meeting, the individual elected is requested to attend the fall 2024 ABVO Meeting (held in conjunction with the ACVO annual conference) in a non-voting “observer” capacity. This individual would be permitted to attend the meeting via teleconference if they prefer. Currently, all other board members are planning to attend on-site.
If you are seeking to make a nomination of another ACVO Diplomate please contact that individual first to be certain they are willing to serve. If they accept, forward the name(s) and acceptance to the ABVO office via email. Staff will reach out to the nominee to explain the obligation and/or to help answer any questions. At that time the below information will be requested.
Nominees are required to provide a photograph, concise (bullet-point) biography emphasizing their past ACVO/ABVO experience, and a brief statement (200 words or less) indicating their reasons for seeking to serve on the Board. Complete nominations must be received electronically by the ABVO office no later than midnight (Mountain Time), May 15, 2024 (please submit bio/photograph materials by May 25th to allow adequate time to post and format). The election will take place electronically during the month of June, 2024, and results will be posted on the ABVO website by early July, 2024.
The ABVO encourages all qualified ACVO Diplomates to take part in the election process. If you have questions about the nomination or election process you are encouraged to contact either the ABVO/ACVO office or any of the current ABVO Members.
Sincerely,
The American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology
Dr. Ralph Hamor (Chair)
Dr. Brad Nadelstein
Dr. Jane Cho
Dr. Mary Lassaline
Mr. Kyle Denomme (Public Member)
January 30, 2024
Residency Committee
This is a reminder that if you have not already and are planning on submitting a RTP application for the 2023 calendar year, the application is due prior to the Wednesday, February 15, 2024 deadline.
Please download a current residency training program application, (https://www.abvo.us/supervising-diplomates), as the most current version of the application is required for submittal.
If you have any questions, please contact the ABVO Residency Committee (ABVOResidency@acvo.org).
Kind regards,
Drs. Seth Eaton & Bianca Martins
ABVO Residency Committee Chair & Vice-Chair
January 26, 2024
ABVO
As a follow up to an announcement prematurely made on 1/15/24, the ABVO Board would like to provide an update on our process moving forward regarding future changes in Target Materials for the ABVO Examination. A request from the Examination Committee, originally brought to the ABVO Board in 2022, recommended changes to reading materials covered by the Multiple Choice (Written) portion of the ABVO Examination. This request was supported by the ABVO Board, resulting in the formation of a Task Force (the Examination Target Material Subcommittee). This subcommittee has formulated recommendations which are currently being considered. The ABVO Board would like to thank the hard-working and dedicated volunteers of both the Examination Committee and the ABVO Examination Target Material Subcommittee for their considerable and diligent efforts.
As part of the ABVO Policies and Procedures, 2.04 b states “ABVO Board or committee proposals that impose major change(s) in the processes of the ABVO will be posted on the ABVO website and subject to a period of non-binding stakeholder comment of up to 3 months.” The ABVO Board is working to finalize a document that will explain these recommendations from the Examination Committee and the Examination Target Material Subcommittee. This document will be placed on our website and the ABVO Board will also provide a mechanism for stakeholder comment at that time.
Please be assured that no changes will take place without consideration of stakeholder opinions and the required period for comment in accordance with our Policies and Procedures.
Sincerely,
Ralph Hamor, ABVO Chair
December 28, 2023
MOC Committee
Thank you to those that have already submitted the MOC application for 2024. As a reminder: Mandatory applications for the MOC of Diplomates boarded in 2018 must be received through the ABVO/MOC online application form by December 31st, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. MST. All applicants will receive notification of their passage or failure to satisfy their MOC by March 31st, 2024. All mandatory applicants that fail to pass their MOC with an initial application will not lose their diplomate status at that time.
Applicants who initially fail to satisfy their MOC may resubmit their application by June 30th, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MST. All applicants with resubmissions will receive notice of their passage or failure to satisfy their MOC by September 30th, 2024. Applicants who fail to satisfy their MOC after resubmission, or elect to not resubmit an application for MOC, will lose their diplomate status. These diplomates may reapply for their MOC no earlier than December 31st, 2024. Mandatory reapplication evaluations by the MOC committee will not begin until this next submission deadline date.
If you need to confirm your MOC status, you can find this on the Complete List of Boarded Diplomates page on the ABVO website. More information about the MOC process and the link to the spreadsheet and form can be found on the MOC page of the ABVO site.
The ABVO MOC continues to encourage all Diplomates, even those not required to do so, to voluntarily submit for MOC every five years. This extra step, and the visible ‘seal’ that Diplomates receive, will reflect positively on promotion of your services to the public. Contact the ABVO office if you have questions about this process or what will be provided to assist with your promotion.
*Mandatory MOC applications are due at 11:59pm MST Saturday, December 31, 2023.*
Should you have any questions, please reach out to the MOC Committee at ABVOMOC@acvo.org
Best regards,
Amy Knollinger, DVM, DACVO
Sean Collins, DVM, DACVO
Chair and Vice Chair of ABVO MOC Committee for 2023 – 2024
