Getting a Speaker Approved

In order to become an ABO & NCLE approved Speaker, or to renew your expired Speaker Status, you must complete the Speaker Approval Form, along with a non-refundable fee of $50.00.   

The Speaker Approval process may take up to four weeks.   Approved Speaker Status is active for a three year period.  

Speaker Criteria

Ophthalmic course speakers must be a current ABO and/or NCLE Certificant, or have appropriate credentials in Optometry, Medicine, Nursing, or the field of Ophthalmic/Optometric Certified Allied Health Personnel. 

Advanced level Speakers must be a current ABO and/or NCLE Advanced Certificant, or have proof of applicable Advanced Degree(s). 

Anyone who does not meet these requirements may request a special review.  

Please note that ABO/NCLE-approved courses must be taught by an ABO/NCLE-Approved speaker only. We encourage proper planning to ensure that the speaker listed on the course application will be available to teach the course on the scheduled date. If the speaker is unable to teach the course, please ensure the substitute instructor is ABO/NCLE-Approved. Your CEC Request will be denied for courses taught by an unapproved speaker.