Optometric social media blew up over the weekend as some students who took the NBEO Part II saw their scores adjusted and changed—in some cases from passing to failing.
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Women In Optometry will continue to follow and update this story. Here are responses from a number of optometric organizations.
AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION
AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC STUDENT ASSOCIATIONThe AOSA is deeply concerned about the recent release of NBEO Part II scores. The changing of scores caused significant distress to students, especially for those who believed they had passed to then learned that they had failed. This incident highlights troubling issues of clarity and transparency in NBEO’s scoring process, undermining trust in its mission to protect the public by ensuring competency in optometry. The public relies on NBEO to uphold the highest standards of professionalism to safeguard the care they receive, and candidates deserve accurate, reliable results that reflect their commitment to the profession. The AOSA calls on NBEO to explain the error, outline corrective measures, and implement safeguards to prevent future occurrences. Transparency is essential to rebuild trust with candidates, the optometric community, and the public.
AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION
AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATIONThe AOA Board of Trustees calls on NBEO to provide an immediate and complete explanation of all current instances of score changing and score withholding and firmly commit to the standards of professionalism and integrity their mission requires. The AOA has long urged NBEO, and its stakeholder organizations ARBO and ASCO, to focus on increased transparency and accountability in all matters involving our student members. The very serious concerns being raised over the last few hours are an immediate opportunity for the NBEO leadership and staff to take the caring and responsible action needed to give meaning to the many assurances they’ve offered to the AOA and the AOSA.
CALIFORNIA OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION
CALIFORNIA OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATIONThe California Optometric Association (COA) is deeply concerned by the test score reporting failures of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) and demands immediate accountability.
The NBEO Part II Patient Assessment & Management exam, which costs an astonishing $1,445 per attempt, has seen fees skyrocket by over 100% in the past decade. This exam, designed to assess clinical thinking and decision-making, is critical for the future of optometry students. Yet, NBEO’s handling of it has been nothing short of disastrous.
On January 24, 2025, NBEO released two conflicting sets of Part II test scores just two hours apart. Students who initially believed they passed were crushed to discover later they had failed. This error is inexcusable.
COA demands that the NBEO immediately provide a full and transparent explanation for the Part II scoring debacle and outline steps to prevent such failures in the future. We also believe students who failed should be allowed to retake the exam at no cost.
COA will immediately engage our legal counsel to investigate all possible legal remedies and take any necessary actions.
COA remains committed to protecting and supporting the future of our profession and the students who represent its bright future.
ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES OF OPTOMETRY
ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES OF OPTOMETRYThe Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) shares the concern expressed by AOA, optometry students, and the optometric community about the recent changes to NBEO’s Part II/TMOD score reporting. We recognize the emotional pain the change in scores is causing members of optometry’s student body. ASCO supports the call for greater transparency and communication around the causes of this mishap, as well as the actions taken to advance accountability and employ safeguards against any future occurrences.
Featured image: Getty Images, Mikhail Seleznev
