Advisory Board for Ophthalmic Medicine
Structure & Application
MISSION
The Advisory Board for Ophthalmic Medicine (ABOM) exists to guide and support the development of Ophthalmic Medicine as a new medical specialty through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Members of ABOM play a critical role in shaping the framework for the Doctor of Ophthalmic Medicine (OMD) degree and residency pathway,Ā while amplifying the message of whole-person, physician-led primary eye care.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Advisory Leadership
Provide expert feedback and strategic guidance on initiatives related to education, residency training, and advocacy for ophthalmic medicine.
Ambassadorship
Represent the mission within your professional circles. Support awareness and credibility by lending your expertise, name, and influence to the initiative.
Collaboration
Participate in virtual board discussions, working groups, and occasional document or position paper reviews. Share your insights to help shape program and policy directions.
Advocacy & Engagement
Encourage peers, institutions, and organizations to consider the importance of Ophthalmic Medicine. Contribute to outreach efforts such as petitions, surveys, or community engagement opportunities.
TIMEĀ COMMITMENT
We recognize board members may hold full-time professional roles. ABOM responsibilities are designed to be impactful without being burdensome.
Monthly virtual meetings (estimated 60 minutes).
Occasional input by email or document review (estimated 1ā€“2 hours/month).
Optional deeper engagement in subcommittees, research, or guest contributions to the OP newsletter, publications, and online community.
Board membership is primarily advisory and strategic. You are not expected to manage daily operations. Your greatest contribution is your expertise, perspective, and advocacy.
Together we will shape the future of Ophthalmic Medicine, ensuring individuals receive integrated physician-led care of the eye and visual system as part of whole-person health.
ABOM BOARD STRUCTURE (U.S.)
- Chair: John R. Martinelli
- Co-Chair: James Fanelli
- Secretary/Treasurer
- 1 - 2 Optometrists in Non-Commercial Private Practice
- 1 - 2 Ophthalmologists
- 1 - 2 Family Medicine or Internal Medicine Physicians
- 1 - 2 Representatives in Research
- Patient advocate, health policy/legal, or global medicine perspectives
FOUNDING ADVISORS (U.S.)
- Visionary's who are shaping the future
- 5 U.S. Representatives offering expertise, perspective, and advocacy within their areas of interest
- OP Newsletter & Community Contributions
ABOM GLOBAL ADVISORS (International)
- 5 Representatives (1 per country)
- International issues, trends, and potential collaborations with U.S. and non-U.S. institutions
- OP Newsletter Contributions
- Dedicated Community on the OP Platform
