The American Osteopathic Boards of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery is a joint organization that provides board certification to qualified Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine who specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of the eye and to qualified Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine who specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, and throat . The boards belong to the 18 medical specialty certifying boards approved by the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association. As of December 2011, 736 osteopathic ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists held active certification with the AOBOO.Board certificationInitial board certification is available to eligible osteopathic ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists who have successfully completed an American Osteopathic Association-approved residency in ophthalmology, otolaryngology, or otolaryngology/facial plastic surgery, two years of practice, and successful completion of written and oral exams. Board certified osteopathic ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists must renew their certification every ten years to avoid expiration of their board certification status. The American Osteopathic Boards of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology offer voluntary recertification and upon passage of the required examinations grants board-certified status for a period of ten years.Board certification through the AOBOO is required of all ophthalmology and otolaryngology residency program directors.
