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Overview
The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) offers a certification pathway for licensed ophthalmologists practicing in the United States who completed their training outside the U.S. or Canada. The Internationally Trained Ophthalmologist (ITO) program recognizes the training and experience of internationally educated physicians while ensuring they meet the same standards required of graduates from ACGME- or RCPSC-accredited residency programs.
Applicants accepted into the ITO Program may qualify for ABO Board Certification after completing additional program requirements and passing both the Written Qualifying Examination (WQE) and Oral Examination.
Applications for the 2025 cycle are due by August 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
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Who Can Apply
To apply for the ITO Program, ophthalmologists must meet all of the following criteria:
- U.S. Medical Licensure: Hold a current, valid, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States for at least five consecutive years (since January 1, 2020).
Note: A license that permits practice only at a specific academic institution is not considered “unrestricted.”
- U.S. Practice Experience: Have actively practiced ophthalmology in the U.S. for at least five consecutive years (since January 1, 2020).
- ECFMG Certification: Hold a valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
- Surgical Practice: Be currently practicing surgical ophthalmology and have documented surgical privileges.
Privileges limited to laser or non-incisional procedures are not sufficient.
- Supporting Documentation: Be able to supply official documentation for all requirements as part of the application.
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Application Requirements
The ITO pathway requires internationally trained ophthalmologists to meet professional standards equivalent to those who completed ACGME- or RCPSC-accredited residency training.
Applicants must submit a comprehensive application package that includes:
- Online Application Form: Includes contact details, education and training history, licensing, and attestations.
- Medical Education & Training Documents:
- Medical school diploma (with translation if not in English)
- ECFMG certificate
- Documentation of post-graduate ophthalmology training
- Residency Surgical Attestation Log (use ABO-provided spreadsheet)
- Professional Practice Documentation:
- List of all current unrestricted US medical licenses
- Attestation of at least five years of US-based ophthalmology practice
- Proof of surgical privileges
- Supporting Materials:
- Personal statement
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Three letters of recommendation from ABO-certified diplomates
- Signed attestation and agreement form
- Application Fee: $1,500 nonrefundable fee, submitted with the application
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Application Review & Timeline
- Application Deadline: August 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time
- Initial Review: Applications will be reviewed for completeness. Incomplete applicants will be contacted and provided a two-week grace period to submit additional documents.
- Credentials Committee Review: Completed applications are reviewed periodically by the ABO Credentials Committee. Additional documentation may be requested during this process.
- Decision Notification:Applicants will be notified of one of the following outcomes:
- Approved: The applicant may proceed with required activities and exams.
- Not Approved: The decision is final and not subject to appeal.
Important: Approval to participate in the ITO Program does not confer Board Eligibility. No ITO applicant may refer to themselves as "Board Eligible" at any stage in the process.
Certification Timeline: Participants must complete all ITO program requirements and pass both the WQE and Oral Examination within seven (7) years of program approval. Applicants approved prior to 2023 have until 2026 to complete the certification process.
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Board Eligibility Disclaimer
The term Board Eligible applies only to physicians who have completed a residency in ophthalmology accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in the United States or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
Participation in the ITO Program does not confer Board Eligible status.
The ITO pathway offers an alternative route to certification for qualified ophthalmologists trained outside the US or Canada.
Reminder: Any claim of Board Eligibility prior to or during participation in the ITO Program is grounds for exclusion from the program and loss of ability to pursue ABO certification.
The ABO does not issue letters of Board Eligibility for ITO participants.
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Cost
The cost to participate in the ITO Program is $1,500, which must be submitted at the time of application. This application fee is nonrefundable, regardless of whether the application is approved.
In addition to the ITO application fee, participants must also pay the current fees for the following exams:
- Written Qualifying Examination (WQE)
- Oral Examination
Submit Payment
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Links & Downloads
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If you have questions about the ITO Program or need assistance with your application, please contact:
Christine Frieberg
Oral Exam Administration Manager
📧 ITO@abop.org
📞 (610) 664-1175 x. 810
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