How to Verify a Florida Ophthalmologist's License and Board Certification

Patients often use 'licensed' and 'board certified' as if they meant the same thing. They don't. A license is issued by the state. Board certification in ophthalmology comes from a national certifying board. Each answers a different question, and both can be checked on official websites.

License vs. board certification at a glance

The two records are connected. The Florida Board of Medicine's application for licensure by examination asks whether the applicant is certified by a board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or approved by the Florida Board of Medicine. The ABO is an ABMS member board.

Step 1: Confirm the Florida license

The Florida Board of Medicine handles licensing and renewals for medical doctors (MDs), physician assistants and anesthesiologist assistants. Its medical doctor page states that a valid Florida medical license is required to practice medicine in Florida.

1. Write down the exact name and credentialCopy the physician's full name as the practice lists it, and note whether it ends in MD or DO. A middle name or initial helps with common names.
2. Open the Board's website yourselfType flboardofmedicine.gov or use the link above, so you know you're on the official site rather than a copy.
3. Follow the Verify a License linkThe link is on the Board's homepage. Follow it and search for the physician as the lookup page instructs.
4. Compare the record with what you were toldCheck that the name matches and that the license appears current. If you find no record or a different name, call the practice and ask before your visit.

Step 2: Confirm board certification with the ABO

The American Board of Ophthalmology is an independent nonprofit that certifies ophthalmologists in the U.S., as described in the National Eye Institute's organizations database. It's one of the ABMS member boards, and ABMS notes that the board's own website has the most complete, current information. For certification questions, go to the ABO directly at abop.org.

Starting a search: Find a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist

The ABO's site has a Find a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist tool. It's useful when you're building a shortlist and would rather begin with physicians whose certification you can see than check names one by one later. Being listed isn't an endorsement, and the tool won't tell you who suits your condition.

Checking a name you already have: Verify a Physician

If a practice or referral has already given you a name, use the ABO's Verify a Physician page. It shows each ophthalmologist's ABO certification history. Read the whole record, and make sure the name matches the physician you plan to see, especially if the name is common.

Needing it in writing

Some situations call for a formal record rather than a screenshot. The ABO offers written verification for $50: you mail the physician's name with a check payable to the American Board of Ophthalmology. Confirm the current mailing address and instructions on the ABO's verification page before you send anything.

What these checks can and can't tell you

• A license record shows what the state has on file. It doesn't tell you whether the physician is the right fit for your eye problem.
• ABO certification history shows the board's record. Whether the physician focuses on an area such as glaucoma or neuro-ophthalmology is a question for the practice.
• Neither tool is a rating or a review site. We don't rank physicians either.
• Records change. If a decision depends on a credential, check it again shortly before your appointment.

Questions to ask the practice

• Is the physician an MD or a DO, and which Florida board issued the license?
• Is the physician certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology?
• Does the physician focus on a particular area, such as cornea, glaucoma or oculoplastics?
• If surgery comes up, where would it take place, and who handles follow-up?
• Is the practice in network with my insurance, and do I need a referral?

Once the credentials check out, our subspecialty guide can help you confirm you're seeing the right kind of ophthalmologist. The academic eye centers guide explains when it may be worth asking about a referral to a larger center.