Demonstration of Ophthalmic Cognitive Knowledge (DOCK)
Exam
The DOCK examination tests fundamental cognitive knowledge, as
well as current and clinically valid practice related knowledge.
The content of the DOCK exam is based on the Practicing Ophthalmologists Curriculum (POC), a
clinically relevant ophthalmic knowledge base developed by the
American Academy of Ophthalmology at the request of the Board.
Overview
The secure, proctored, 150-item computer-based exam takes
approximately four hours to complete. The exam consists of one
50-item module on Core Ophthalmic Knowledge and two 50-item modules
chosen from the practice emphasis areas listed below. There are two
versions of most practice emphasis modules, however, there is only
one version of the Refractive Management/Intervention and Uveitis
modules. Diplomates can opt to select two modules from one practice
emphasis area or one module from two different practice emphasis
areas.
- Comprehensive Ophthalmology
- Cataract/Anterior Segment
- Cornea/External Disease
- Glaucoma
- Neuro-Ophthalmology and Orbit
- Oculoplastics and Orbit
- Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus
- Retina/Vitreous
- Refractive Management/Intervention
- Uveitis
DOCK Content and Scoring
The Practicing
Ophthalmologists Curriculum (POC) will serve as the basis for
the content of the DOCK. Other areas to be covered in the DOCK
include patient safety, environment of medical practice and ethics.
Diplomates will be required to achieve an overall passing grade
based on the combined grades of all three modules.
Applying for the September DOCK
Eligible diplomates will be able to apply for the September 1-30
DOCK via the diplomate portal from February - June 1. (Late
registrations are accepted until August 1 accompanied by a $300
late fee.)
The diplomate portal may be accessed at any time by logging in at
the upper right of this page.
DOCK Scheduling
Approved diplomates will be sent an email from the ABO with
instructions for scheduling an appointment at Prometric Center
location.
Diplomates will be instructed to schedule immediately upon
receipt of the instructions. Every effort will be made to ensure a
requested test site is honored, however diplomates who do not
schedule in a timely fashion may not be able to schedule an
appointment at their desired testing center.
DOCK Location
DOCK is available by appointment on regular business days
throughout the entire month of September. In late June, approved
diplomates are sent an email with instructions for scheduling a
test appointment at a Prometric Center location. DOCK is
administered at nationally-distributed Prometric Center locations,
enabling diplomates to take the DOCK in a location close to his/her
home or practice. To locate a center, please see Prometric's
website: http://prometric.com/ABO/default.htm.
Please note: the exact locations are not available until
after the scheduling email is sent.
DOCK Timeframe
The DOCK is completed once during the MOC cycle. Please refer to
your Diplomate Portal to determine your specific requirements.