Clarkson Award Application Form

Submit your completed form no later than May 1, 2026.

Background:

The Clarkson Quality Improvement Award celebrates the passion, pride, and professionalism exemplified by American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) diplomates in their efforts to improve the practice of ophthalmology. Named in honor of emeritus Executive Director John G. Clarkson, M.D., the inaugural Clarkson Quality Improvement Award was first bestowed in 2017 and has been given annually to an ABO diplomate whose self-directed quality improvement project during the preceding year demonstrated noteworthy success in enhancing patient care.

Beginning in 2025, the ABO is partnering with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) to expand the scope of the award beyond individual self-directed projects to any ABO diplomate/ AAO fellow, or any such individual representing an organization, whose quality improvement activities significantly improve patient care.

Applications will be reviewed by a small group of representatives from the ABO and AAO, including the Chair of the ABO’s Continuing Certification Committee, a corresponding Quality Improvement representative from the AAO, and the Chief Executive Officers of the ABO and the AAO.

The awardee and his/her work will be acknowledged as follows:

Featured in EyeNet, the Academy's monthly newsmagazine
Awarded credit for one Improvement in Medical Practice activity, a requirement for ABO Continuing Certification

Timeline:

Applications will be accepted from February 1 through May 1.
The awardee will be notified via email no later than June 30.

1. First Name *This question is required.

2. Last Name *This question is required.

3. Email Address *This question is required. This question requires a valid email address.

4. Year Certified by the ABO *This question is required. Participation in ABO Continuing Certification is required This question requires a valid number format.

5. Title of Quality Improvement Initiative: *This question is required.

6. Describe the single best activity that you have done, or your organization has done, to improve the care of patients. *This question is required. Your description should answer the following questions:

What was the problem to be addressed and what is its impact on the quality of patient care?
How was the problem addressed (i.e. methods)? For example, was a Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle used?
What were the results? If relevant, please include any improvements in patient outcomes.
How was the new initiative incorporated into practice on a continuing basis?
Who else in your organization was involved in the project?
Can your initiative be replicated in other practices, and how best or why not?
What lessons were learned and are there any future steps?