Background Information on the creation of the
AUPO – Fellowship Compliance Committee (AUPO – FCC)

Over the last three years there has been much discussion, heated at times, concerning formal ACGME accreditation of sub-specialty fellowships and ABO sub-specialty certification. While this has been an ongoing discussion in our field, the recent events started when the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) announced that they would seek formal ACGME / ABO accreditation & certification. ASOPRS then asked the Academy to support their application. The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) then asked the AAO to poll its members (via the Council) on the subject of CAQ’s (certificates of added qualifications). This is the process of Fellowship Certification by the ABO in conjunction with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) under American Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) regulations.

While the Cornea Society supports Fellowship Guidelines, we, as well as the majority of other sub-specialty societies, have very actively opposed subspecialty certification under ACGME guidelines (#1 below). We have been working with the AUPO to establish a Fellowship Oversight Committee and recognize those fellowships that meet the guidelines. At the 2005 AUPO meeting in Phoenix, the AUPO – Fellowship Compliance Committee (AUPO-FCC) was formally established and the Fellowship Guidelines for Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery were accepted (see below). Cornea and Pediatric Ophthalmology will be the two specialties to initiate the web-based system for the academic year starting July, 2005 (the application process will be available April 1, 2005). Glaucoma, Retina, Neuro-ophthalmology, Uvietis and Pathology anticipate entering the system in 2006. The Society urges all Fellowships to participate in this voluntary program. It is our belief that this will strengthen the quality of sub-specialty training and allow residents advance knowledge of the medical and surgical materials expected to be covered during the fellowship year.

Below please see:

1. The Cornea Society statement to the Council of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
2. The Fellowship Guidelines generated by the Cornea Society
3. AUPOFCC
   

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