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 full-time clinical practice as a veterinarian, and complete a 3-year or longer residency training program in veterinary ophthalmology.  The applicant then is permitted to take the ABVO certifying examination. The exam is a multi-day process consisting of multiple written and practical components. After achieving all of these criteria, a veterinarian is recognized as a "Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®" and is board-certified in veterinary ophthalmology. In the United States, no-one may use this title unless they have successfully completed all of these steps. 

PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the ACVO® is to advance ophthalmology in all phases of veterinary medicine. 

Objectives:

• provide an organizational structure to facilitate efficient exchange of ideas of interest to specialists in veterinary and comparative ophthalmology,

• encourage education, training, and research in veterinary ophthalmology,

• establish standards of training and experience in this field and to recognize individuals who have fulfilled such standards.