New directions for the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) examination.

Abstract

The Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) Task Force of the American Academy of Ophthalmology has reviewed the present OKAP examination and addressed the goals of this resident-in-training examination. Simultaneously, the American Board of Ophthalmology has been assessing its Written Qualifying Examination (WQE) as a certifying tool. The history of the OKAP examination is chronicled along with a discussion of the goals of this examination as a stimulus for resident education. The new OKAP examination is structured specifically for residents-in-training and is now administered separately from the WQE. The OKAP examination is moving in the direction of a criterion referenced examination based on a defined content outline. Twelve subtest areas are tested. Future goals are to improve subtest reliability and increase feedback to residents and program directors.