The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) plans to issue a new Focused Practice Designation (FPD) in Retina credential beginning in 2026.
“Creating a Focused Practice Designation in Retina advances our mission to serve the public through the verification of competencies,” said ABO Chief Executive Officer George B. Bartley, MD. “This credential is an opportunity to help the health care community and patients more readily recognize specialists with retina training and expertise.”
“Focused Practice” is an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) designation that goes beyond initial board certification in a medical specialty to recognize unique areas of practice expertise. The FPD in Retina, spearheaded by the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), seeks to recognize training and practice in the management of retinal diseases. The ABMS approved the establishment of this designation at its June 2024 Board of Directors meeting.
To apply, candidates must first achieve ABO certification and hold an unrestricted medical license. Development of validated, multiple-choice assessments to verify the knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary to demonstrate surgical and/or medical retina expertise has begun, with the first examinations tentatively scheduled for 2026. The examination development process will solicit broad input from active and practicing subject matter experts within the retina community to define the standards of practice, participation, and knowledge that are required to be identified as a retina specialist.
To maintain the credential, diplomates awarded the Retina FPD will be expected to complete retina-specific learning and assessment offerings available in the existing Continuing Certification program. The ABO will release more specifics about the eligibility requirements, application process, application fee, and examination timeline at a webinar to be held at a later date.
There are currently 13 Focused Practice Designations awarded by other ABMS Member Boards, including hospital medicine, neurological critical care, and metabolic bariatric surgery. Ophthalmic subspecialty and special interest societies interested in pursuing the development of a Focused Practice Designation should contact the ABO.
For more information about the Retina FPD program, or to indicate an interest in applying your retinal expertise to the development of the examination/program standards, contact info@abop.org or 610-664-1175.