NBEO September Newsletter
Published on September 29, 2026
As summer turns to fall, NBEO’s work continues on several fronts, from the behind-the-scenes process of developing and maintaining fair, reliable examinations to connecting with optometry’s leaders and stakeholders across the profession. In this issue, we’re sharing updates on exam development, the Laser and Surgical Procedures Exam, upcoming profession engagement, and a few helpful reminders.
Exam Development
To ensure NBEO exams promote the safe, effective and autonomous practice of optometry, committees composed of outside subject matter experts met in August and earlier this month to review exam content. This is part of the “maintenance” phase in test development outlined in the graphic shown next.
More than 200 optometrists participate in the eight-phase process for exam development. The process starts with evaluating current content and includes updating questions as needed. It also includes psychometric review to ensure tests are reliable, fair and valid measures.
LSPE Exam
If your state allows for advanced scope of practice for optometrists to perform laser and surgical procedures, the NBEO Laser and Surgical Procedures Exam provides state boards with an independent measure of competency in those areas. The exams are nationally standardized and validated. And to date, more than 70 optometrists and ophthamologists serving as subject matter experts in the U.S. and Canada have participated in development of the exam.
This two-minute video presents a quick overview of the LSPE exam. NBEO invites you to visit the Charlotte testing center to learn more. Questions are also welcome at media@optometry.org.
Academy 2026 Anaheim
NBEO staff are attending Academy 2026 Anaheim, the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting, September 30–October 3.
While there, our team is connecting with key stakeholders, exchanging perspectives on issues shaping optometry, and staying current on emerging research and developments across the profession. We look forward to meaningful conversations with colleagues throughout the optometric community.
Board Member Visit
Minnesota Board of Optometry Vice Chair Dr. Sam Villella with NBEO Executive Director Dr. Jill Bryant in the NCCTO lobby.
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Minnesota Board of Optometry Vice Chair, Sam Villella, OD to the National Center for Clinical Testing in Optometry (NCCTO) for a behind-the-scenes visit with NBEO staff.
During his time with us, we had engaging and productive discussions on key aspects of the examination process. We value these opportunities to connect directly with you and foster collaboration across the profession.
If you’re interested in scheduling a visit to NCCTO or meeting with NBEO leadership, we would be happy to host you. Please feel free to reach out to us at media@optometry.org to start the conversation.
Mythbusters!
Myth: When candidates fail on their first attempt they’re given a tougher test on subsequent attempts.
Fact: There are no exam versions created specifically for candidates retaking the test. Also, exam difficulty is the same for all exam forms used on an administration.
As discussed in the August newsletter, a family of statistical methods, known as equating, is used for identifying and adjusting difficulty differences between test versions to ensure fairness and consistency in scoring.
Testing Accommodations
Candidates may request test accommodations for chronic medical conditions, recent-onset health situations, and sincerely held religious beliefs or observances. Certain pre-approved items may also be brought into Pearson test centers and the National Center of Clinical Testing in Optometry without submitting a formal accommodation request.
Candidates are encouraged to review the NBEO Test Accommodations Policy for information about eligibility, required documentation, deadlines, and approved items.
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