American Board of Optometry Specialties (ABOS) American Board of Optometry Specialties American Board of Optometry Specialties ABOS Mission of ABOS The American Board of Optometry Specialties seeks to further the education training and competence of optometrists by supporting optometry specialty certification boards and by educating the public about the benefits of optometry specialty certifications. ABOS has established national standards and requirements for optometry specialty certification boards similar to those of medical osteopathic dental and podiatry specialty certification boards. These standards are aligned with requirements for credentialing of specialists at Joint Commission accredited medical facilities. ABOS also educates the public about the optometry specialties available to them when making decisions about eye care.