Understanding Veterinary Titles and Certifications

Veterinarians in the field of ophthalmology hold various titles that reflect their levels of expertise and training. Here’s a breakdown of the different titles and what they represent:

DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine): This is the essential degree required to practice veterinary medicine. Veterinarians with this title are trained to care for animals, diagnose diseases, and perform general surgeries.

Specialty Ophthalmology Intern: A veterinarian who has completed a rotating internship in general medicine and surgery, followed by a second, more focused internship in veterinary ophthalmology. This additional training allows them to gain specialized experience in diagnosing and treating eye conditions in animals.

Resident in Veterinary Ophthalmology: An ABVO®-approved veterinarian serving in an ABVO-approved residency training program in veterinary ophthalmology under the supervision of one or more Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO®). A veterinarian who has “completed a residency in veterinary ophthalmology” is not a board-certified specialist until they complete all other requirements, including credentialing and board exams.

Practice Limited to Diseases of the Animal Eye: A veterinarian who has successfully completed their residency training program but has not yet met the credentialing and examination requirements to become board-certified may state that their practice is limited to diseases of the animal eye. However, these individuals may not call themselves or imply that they are “veterinary ophthalmologists,” “specialists,” or use the terms “board-eligible” or “board-qualified.” The American Board of Veterinary Specialists (ABVS), the ABVO®, and the ACVO® consider such phrases misleading and not allowed.

DACVO (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists): Veterinarians who have completed their residency and passed rigorous board examinations earn this title. DACVOs are experts in diagnosing and treating complex eye diseases and performing specialized eye surgeries. Only veterinarians with this title may formally call themselves “veterinary ophthalmologists” or “specialists” in veterinary ophthalmology.
- A person who has completed all the requirements of the American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology is board-certified in veterinary ophthalmology and recognized as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®. This individual may use the certification “DACVO” or “Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists”. Only board-certified persons may call themselves a “veterinary specialist,” a “specialist in veterinary ophthalmology,” or a “veterinary ophthalmologist.”
- Only Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists may conduct OFA, CERF, or EERF exams. Additional requirements to be a member in good standing of the ACVO include payment of dues and adherence to the ACVO Code of Ethics.

What is the ACVO®?

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® (ACVO®) is an organization, not an actual physical location, that (through the American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology® or ABVO®) has established certifying criteria for Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO®) and residents in training to become Diplomates.

To become a DACVO®, a person must first graduate from veterinary school, attain a minimum of 12 months of full-time clinical practice as a veterinarian, and complete a 3-year (or longer) residency training program in veterinary ophthalmology under the supervision of at least one DACVO. Throughout the residency, various credentials are monitored by ABVO® committees. Once the residency is completed, the applicant must submit their credentials for approval. If approved, they are granted permission to take the ABVO certifying examination, a multi-day process consisting of written and practical components.

After successfully completing all these criteria, a veterinarian is recognized as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® and is board-certified in veterinary ophthalmology. No one may use this title unless they have completed all of these steps.

What is the ABVO®?

The ABVO® is the credentialing arm of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® (ACVO®). It operates under a Charter approved by the membership of the ACVO and functions under the same tax ID number, sharing administrative services with the ACVO. The ABVO is responsible for submitting an annual budget for approval by the ACVO, but it remains autonomous in its decision-making powers regarding the certification of veterinary ophthalmologists.

Certification Requirements:

Become a veterinarian.
Complete the required veterinary experience: Currently 48 months, 12 of which must be prior to residency training.
Complete an ABVO-approved residency: Must be completed (or scheduled to be completed) by August 1st of the examination year.
Meet ethical standards: Must be of satisfactory ethical standing.
Submit all required documentation and fees: Ensure credentials and necessary forms are submitted by the specified deadlines.
Pass a series of examinations: These include both written and practical components.
Maintain certification: Diplomates certified in 2015 or later must maintain their certification through the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.

This rigorous process ensures that ABVO-certified veterinary ophthalmologists meet the highest professional standards in the field of animal eye care.