ABVO® Nominations

Dr. Amy J. Rankin

I am honored to be considered for the ABVO Board this year. My journey in veterinary ophthalmology began with my graduation from the University of Wisconsin in 1993, followed by a rotating small animal internship at Oklahoma State University. After several years in private practice in the Pacific Northwest, I had the privilege of completing a COPLOW fellowship, which deepened my expertise and reinforced my commitment to advancing the field.

Throughout my time at KSU, I have been fortunate to play a role in training 12 residents, guiding them through the complexities of veterinary ophthalmology. As both a mentor and a former member of the ABVO Examination Committee, I appreciate the dedication and effort required to shape competent specialists. Successful residency training demands exposure to diverse ocular conditions across species, proficiency in diagnostic techniques and surgical procedures, and mentorship from experienced professionals. The ultimate goal is to cultivate confident and skilled ophthalmologists who uphold the highest standards in patient care and professional excellence.

My passion for veterinary ophthalmology extends beyond clinical practice—I am deeply committed to fostering collaboration, education, and innovation. Serving on the ABVO Board would allow me to contribute to the development and maintenance of rigorous training and certification standards, ensuring the continued integrity and advancement of our profession. Through this role, I aim to help shape policies and initiatives that support both the professional growth of ophthalmologists and the delivery of exceptional patient care.

• 1993 DVM University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine

• 1997-1998 Ocular Pathology Fellow, University of Wisconsin

• 1998-2001 Ophthalmology Residency, Purdue University

• 2001-2007 Animal Eye Specialists, Pewaukee, WI

• 2007-present Kansas State University

• 2008-2012 Member, ACVO Governance Committee

• 2013-2014 Member, ABVO Examination Committee

• 2014-2016 Co-chair, ABVO Examination Committee

• 2016-2018 Chair, ABVO Examination Committee

Current role:

• Professor of Ophthalmology Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Clinical Sciences

Dr. William (Bill) Miller 

It has been my honor and privilege to serve the ACVO in a variety of rolls. I was a member of the Public Relations committee (now known as MPOC) from 2006 to 2016 and the chair for four years.   While serving on the Public Relations committee the Service Dog Program was developed, instituted and continues to be the primary means of promoting veterinary ophthalmology and the ACVO.  Additionally, the ACVO cataract video, eye poster and numerous ACVO educational brochures were produced.  From 2011 to 2013 I served on the Governance Committee, chairing the committee in 2013.  During this period the ACVO By-Laws and Policy and Procedures manual were rewritten to allow creation of the American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology.  ABVO founding documents were created during this time.  From 2015 to 2016 I filled the position of American Board of Veterinary Specialists (now known as VSOC) alternate delegate.   I served on the Vision for Animals Foundation Board from 2009-2015 and continue as an emeritus member.  In July 2015 I completed my term as President of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association.  From 2020 to 2024 I served on the ACVO Board of Regents, completing my term as ACVO President in 2024.  Currently’ I am Chairperson for the ACVO Nominating Committee.  This past year, I was asked by the Board of Regents to serve on both the Higher Training Task Force and the Resident Education Task Force.   In these roles, we are actively developing initiatives to improve training of specialty interns and ABVO residents. 

Information on why I would like to serve:

Separation of the credentialling responsibilities from a membership organization was a critical period in the history of our college. (see ABVO.us History) The process required the Governance Committee to dedicate many hours of studying the documents, textbooks, and literature regarding standards for certifying organizations.  Because I was involved in the creation of the ABVO, I have a clearly understand what its original purpose and mission.  The ABVO’s primary purpose is to protect the public by setting the base standards with the consent of stakeholders, current Diplomates, for an individual to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.  Deviation from the primary purpose or major changes made without strong evidence clearly violates the current standards outlined for certifying organizations and potentially introduces legal liability to the organization.  The current methodology of testing candidates should be reevaluated with changes made only after careful consideration and based on evidence the changes fulfill the ABVO’s primary purpose.  Major changes to our credentialling process should never be the decision of one individual or even the ABVO board without input of stakeholders and consultation with credentialling/certification experts.  I believe the constituency of the ABVO board should be similar to the ACVO Board of Regents, having balanced representation from private practice and academia.  Through my many areas of service on a variety of ACVO committees, task forces and finally as President, I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve as an ABVO board member.  Thank you for your consideration.