The American College of Eye Surgeons was founded in 1986 after several years of labor, intensive meetings and discussions by a small group of extremely dedicated ophthalmologists concerned about the absence of surgical certification in the board certification process of ophthalmologists. Tremendous advances in technology have revolutionized eye surgery, thereby necessitating a surgical certification process to ensure that quality eye surgery is performed.

The founders of the American College of Eye Surgeons recognized that the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) did an excellent job assessing candidates with respect to their medical knowledge in ophthalmology. However, it was also recognized that actual surgical skills were not being tested. The certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology may reasonably suggest that an individual, thus certified, was not only a knowledgeable medical ophthalmologist, but also a competent ophthalmic surgeon. Unfortunately, an assumption that ABO certification constitutes validation of surgical skills is not accurate. Thus, the American College of Eye Surgeons was formed to establish a certifying board for quality ophthalmic surgery.

After extensive work by the founders of the American College of Eye Surgeons, in conjunction with the highly respected and nonprofit Professional Examination Service, the American Board of Eye Surgery (ABES) was established in 1988. This board tests ophthalmologists on their ability to perform quality eye surgery. Physicians may choose to be certified in one or all of the following four areas; cataract/implant surgery, refractive surgery (incisional keratotomy and LASIK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).

As a member of the American College of Eye Surgeons, ophthalmic surgeons elect to apply for certification by the American Board of Eye Surgery by submitting an extensive written application. These applicants are required to meet stringent eligibility requirements...

The physician must be certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). This prerequisite indicates successful completion of an approved residency program and acquisition of sufficient knowledge in the areas of medical and surgical ophthalmology.



For certification in the sub-specialties of cataract/implant surgery and refractive surgery(incisional keratotomy and LASIK), your doctor submitted a detailed record of 50 consecutive surgical procedures; 24 surgical procedures for certification in penetrating keratoplasty surgery (PKP). This record allows examiners to assess surgical procedures, the indications for surgery, the appropriateness and type of surgery performed, the frequency of surgical complications, and finally the visual outcome and improvement following surgery.



Individuals found to be acceptable candidates following this preliminary evaluation are then contacted by the American Board of Eye Surgery to arrange for a live surgery evaluation via video tape. An on-site observer monitors a consecutive series of surgical cases (varying depending on program) and obtain a video tape of each procedure as it is performed. The on-site observer then completes a detailed checklist of observations made during each procedure. Following the completion of the surgical taping, the video tapes are returned to the Board and forwarded to a panel of surgical examiners (ophthalmologists certified by ABES) for evaluation. This review process was designed to ensure confidentiality and anonymity of the physician examined, thereby eliminating any possible bias and ensuring the objectivity of the examiners.



Upon successful completion of this evaluation, the surgeon is recommended for certification by the American Board of Eye Surgery. Surgeons must be recertified every seven years. Recertification addresses the Board's recognition that technological advances require surgeons to continually update their skills.

These ophthalmic surgeons, having been Certified by the American Board of Eye Surgery (ABES) and participating members of the American College of Eye Surgeons, are distinguished and among a unique group of eye surgeons dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in ophthalmic surgery for the benefit of the patient.