Latest News American Board of Optometry Names Interim Executive Director, Changes Eligibility Requirements By Staff Wednesday, October 21, 2015 12:24 AM James Vaught, OD. ST. LOUIS—The American Board of Optometry (ABO) has named James Vaught, OD, interim executive director. Most recently serving as chairman of the board, Vaught has been actively involved with the ABO since its inception in 2009. In addition, Barbara Reiss, OD, was named ABO chairperson, Stanley Woo, OD, was named member representing the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, and Paul Hodge, OD, was named member representing the American Optometric Association. The board also approved changes to the eligibility requirements for the board certification exam that the organization administers. The new requirements make it more attainable for those who have been in practice longer with already established careers, according to a statement released last week from the ABO.The ABO’s board certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, and the MOC [Maintenance of Certification] process is recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as substantially equivalent to that of the American Board of Medical Specialties, the statement said. Registration is now open for the January 2016 board certification examination, which can be scheduled at Prometric Test Centers worldwide. Application can be made by visiting the ABO website at www.americanboardofoptometry.org.