Doctor Abe attended Sophia (Jochi) University , and graduated from the University of California, at Davis , with a degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Japanese. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Fellow of the Orthokeratology Academy of America, and a recipient of the Optometric Recognition Award given by the American Optometric Association for continuing education.

Yoko has successfully passed part I of the Optometric Assistant and Technician (OPAT) program. The OPAT program was developed to upgrade the professionalism and competency level of eye care staff.

Yoko has also passed the Certified Paraoptometric Examination and has recently (August, 2005) passed the Certified Paraoptometric Assistant Examinaton earning the titles "CPO and CPOA" given by the American Optometric Association.