NEW DIRECTIONS FOR THE OPHTHALMIC KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (OKAP)EXAMINATION

Background: The Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) Task Fo rce 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 b een assessing its Written Qualifying Examination (WQE) as a certifying tool. Method: The history of the OKAP examination is chronicled along with a discussion of the goals of this examination as a stimulus for resident education. Conclusion: The new OKAP examination is structured specifically for residents-in-training and is now administered separa tely 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.