Dr. Veronica Acuña is a residency-trained, board-certified doctor of optometry. She is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University, where she earned her Doctor of Optometry degree with honors, graduating in the top 9% of her class. She entered NSU with a bachelor's in Sociology/Anthropology and, alongside her doctoral degree, received a second bachelor's in Vision Science. Dr. Acuña is the recipient of the Clinical Skills Award for the highest score of her graduating class for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. She was also named "Extern of the Year" during her clinical rotations and achieved membership in multiple honor societies and dean's lists.
After graduation, Dr. Acuña elected to complete an optional optometric residency, an advanced postgraduate program with extensive clinical training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular diseases. Her external rotations were alongside neuro-ophthalmology, ocular oncology, glaucoma, retinal, corneal, and oculoplastics specialists. During her residency, Dr. Acuña precepted and trained optometry students in both lab skills and clinical practice. She later co-published an article, Peripheral Retinal Imaging and Disease Assessment, in Review of Optometry and presented multiple clinical cases at continuing education events throughout the nation.
Dr. Acuña further pursued examinations and certifications from dual boards: The American Board of Optometry and The American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry. Both entities seek commitment to high standards, continuing education, and patient-centered care, with the latter requiring full scope practice of medical optometry. Only 4% of optometrists in the United States have been certified by the ABO, and similarly, 1% of optometrists have been certified by the ABCMO.
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
A Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree requires eight years of post-secondary education. This includes a four-year undergraduate degree after high school graduation, followed by four more years of optometry school.
After optometry school graduation, an addtional and optional one-year residency may be completed, focusing on areas such as ocular disease, contact lenses, pediatrics, low vision, and/or other fields.
American Board of Optometry (ABO)
The American Board of Optometry (ABO) is a professional organization that provides board certification for optometrists. ABO certification signifies that an optometrist has advanced knowledge and clinical skills beyond the minimum required for licensure.
It is a mark of distinction, demonstrating that the optometrist has achieved a high standard of care. Certification is voluntary but is widely respected in professional and academic circles. To date, the ABO has certified only about 4% of optometrists in general practice.
American Board Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO)
The American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO) is a professional board that certifies optometrists with advanced expertise in medical optometry. Board certification demonstrates competence beyond general optometric licensure in the management of ocular disease and recognizes optometrists who have achieved a high level of proficiency in medical eye care.
Certification is voluntary and signifies that an optometrist possesses specialized knowledge, advanced skills, and clinical competence in the practice of medical optometry. To date, the ABCMO has certified only about 1% of practicing optometrists.