National Board addresses optometry exam pass rates and scoring myths

The Kansas Board of Examiners in Optometry convened on April 1, 2025, to address several pressing issues regarding the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) and the challenges facing optometry education and examination standards.

The meeting began with a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest from a board member involved with the NBEO and the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO). The member emphasized the importance of transparency and the need to clarify misconceptions surrounding the NBEO's examination processes.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the pass rates of the 2024 Part I examination, which stood at 66%. The board member noted that this statistic has led to increased pressure on the NBEO to adjust its standards and fees. Some states are even considering replacing the Part I exam with the Canadian optometry exam, raising questions about the implications of such a change.

The meeting addressed several myths regarding examination pass rates. It was clarified that candidates taking the exam in April generally perform better than those in August, not due to the difficulty of the exam but because more prepared students tend to take it earlier. Additionally, it was noted that the perceived decline in scores is not due to increased difficulty but rather the impact of the pandemic on educational standards.

The board member also discussed the recent changes to the Part 3 examination, which now emphasizes practical skills relevant to current optometry practice. This shift aims to better prepare candidates for real-world scenarios.

Concerns were raised about the rising costs associated with the national board exams, which are significantly higher than those for medical board exams. The board member explained that the smaller pool of optometry candidates makes it challenging to distribute testing costs effectively.

The meeting concluded with updates on the NBEO's operational changes, including the introduction of a new testing facility that will double the number of candidates tested at a time. The board expressed a commitment to improving the examination process and addressing the concerns of candidates and educational institutions.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges within the optometry examination landscape, the need for clarity in communication, and the importance of maintaining high educational standards in the face of evolving demands. The board plans to continue monitoring these issues and will reconvene to discuss further developments.