Dr. Vaught (l) with Paul C. Ajamian, OD, outgoing
chair (r.)
ST. LOUIS—The American Board of Optometry (ABO) elected new officers during its 2013 annual meeting held Nov. 15 here.

The slate of new officers is as follows: Chairman James M. Vaught, OD; Vice-Chairman David A. Heath, OD, Ed.M.; Secretary Chelsea L. Miller, OD, and Treasurer John P. McGuire. In addition, Jackson Lau, OD, of Beverly Hills, Calif., was elected the new director representing the American Optometric Association (AOA), and Michael D. Gerstner, OD, of Memphis, Tenn., was elected as a new member-at-large.

David A. Cockrell, OD, a founding member of the board and its founding chairman, stepped down as a board member as he prepares to assume his role next summer as president of the AOA.


         Dr. Vaught.

Paul C. Ajamian, OD, remains on the board after stepping down as chair after leading the organization through two successful years including the American Board of Optometry’s victory in the lawsuit brought by the former American Optometric Society.

“I congratulate Dr. Vaught on his election as the new chairman of the board,” said Dr. Ajamian. “Dr. Vaught has demonstrated his expertise and experience in many other volunteer roles, and I am confident that I am handing the gavel to the right person at the right time. His passion and proven leadership will insure that the American Board of Optometry and the board certification process will continue to evolve as an integral part of the profession.”

Also, during the annual meeting, the board approved allowing any Active Candidate who takes the upcoming January exam to have a one-time opportunity to re-test in July 2014 if necessary, without re-qualifying under the Permanent Rules. The exam, scheduled for Dec. 30, 2013 – Jan 31, 2014, is the last exam for which the Phase-In Rules will apply.

The ABO recently released the results of its July 1 – Aug. 10, 2013, Board Certification Examination. A total of 509 doctors (95.3 percent), representing 48 states, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, passed the examination. All new Diplomates are now listed on the board-certified optometrist locator at www.americanboardofoptometry.org. The American Board of Optometry now has 1,715 Diplomates and list of 3,000 Active Candidates.