ANGELA SHASSERRE
St. Louis,Missouri
Summary
Dynamic Certified Ophthalmic Assistant with extensive experience at the Department of Veterans Affairs, excelling in visual field testing and patient care coordination. Proven ability to enhance patient satisfaction through effective communication and education, while maintaining meticulous clinical documentation. Committed to continuous improvement and delivering high-quality ophthalmic care in fast-paced environments.
Certified Ophthalmic professional with strong expertise in patient care, diagnostic testing, and clinical procedures. Adept at collaborating with medical teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Reliable, adaptable, and results-driven with focus on precision and patient satisfaction.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2019 - Current
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with infection control standards.
- Conducted visual field testing for early detection of glaucoma, enabling timely intervention and treatment.
- Facilitated effective communication between patients and medical staff, acting as a liaison when needed.
- Safeguarded patient privacy, adhering to HIPAA regulations while handling sensitive information.
- Documented patient medical history and information with competency to accuracy.
- Enhanced patient comfort during procedures by providing clear instructions and compassionate support throughout their visit.
- Presented preliminary medical evaluation of clinical patients, delivering comprehensive reports to physicians.
- Improved patient experience by efficiently conducting preliminary eye examinations and diagnostic tests.
- Measured intraocular pressure using Goldman and Tonopen tonometry process.
- Applied eye medications and drops to dilate pupils in preparation for examinations.
- Used Lensometer to measure and record lens power of existing prescriptive spectacles.
- Recorded patient history to help ophthalmologists determine diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Operated ophthalmic equipment for patient eye examinations and prepared patients for examinations and surgeries.
- Performed visual field testing to measure patients' peripheral vision to determine any visual field loss.
- Conducted tonometry testing to measure pressure inside patient's eye to determine presence of glaucoma
- Identified issues during preliminary exam and addressed concerns with physician.
- Gathered patient histories, took measurements and completed diagnostic tests as part of detailed ophthalmic evaluations.
- Promoted positive and smooth patient flow throughout facility, encouraging more efficient operations and boosting patient satisfaction.
- Educated patients and relations on ocular health and safety, promoting good eye care.
- Serviced, repaired and maintained ophthalmic equipment to keep instruments and tools in good condition.
- Administered ophthalmic drops and ointments, focusing on patient comfort.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay current on industry advancements and best practices in ophthalmic assistance.
- Streamlined workflow in a fast-paced environment, coordinating tasks with fellow team members for optimal productivity.
COA - Teleretinal Care Coordinator
Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2009 - 08.2019
- We began doing Telehealth at the Department of Veterans Affairs and I had the opportunity start the Teleretinal Imaging program for the Saint Louis division (now TeleEye).
- I went to the Boston training Center and received my certification and learned everything about starting a new program. I began training new imagers for the Saint Louis division to expand the program.
- I worked closely with the Optometrists that were reading the images and provided feedback and review to the imagers for improved quality and education.
- I kept track of all unreadable images, would retrain if necessary, kept track of orphans and make corrections, and I wanted to do more with the program.
- I received my Master Preceptor certification and began traveling and training throughout our VISN. I had remote access so I could review, access and provide constructive feedback to those imagers as well. I kept track of all unreadable images throughout the VISN, and reviewed images for continuity. I attended numerous conferences to keep up to date with any changes in the program, including workload credit, billing, service connection, eligibility for the program, and enhanced screening techniques. Eventually, the Telehealth program grew beyond Teleretinal and I was moved back to the eye clinic.
- Managed patient caseloads effectively, ensuring timely follow-up and appropriate interventions.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners, facilitating referrals and collaboration on behalf of patients.
- Conducted regular evaluations of care plan effectiveness, making necessary adjustments based on feedback from patients and providers.
- Educated patients on self-care strategies, promoting independence and empowering them to manage their health conditions.
- Assessed patient needs and connected them with appropriate resources to ensure optimal health outcomes.
- Improved communication among healthcare providers, streamlining the coordination of services for patients.
- Determined need for special assessment activities for complex cases, effectively handling care plans.
- Streamlined information sharing between healthcare providers by implementing secure electronic communication systems.
- Contributed to the development of organizational policies and procedures related to care coordination, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.
- Streamlined patient intake processes, reducing wait times and improving patient satisfaction.
- Developed patient education materials on chronic disease management, empowering patients to take active role in their health.
- Implemented patient follow-up procedures to monitor treatment progress and adjust care plans as needed.
- Streamlined referral process to specialists, reducing wait times for critical treatments.
- Enhanced patient care coordination by effectively managing schedules for multiple healthcare providers.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Implemented successful healthcare program through professionalism, quality of care, medical teaching and patient satisfaction.
- Discussed medical histories with patients in effort to provide most effective medical advice.
- Defined testing protocols, quality assurance initiatives and clinic policies and procedures.
- Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (Contract)
Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2005 - 07.2009
- Documented patient medical history and information with competency to accuracy.
- Assisted ophthalmologists in providing quality care by preparing patients for examination and procedures.
- Maintained inventory of medical supplies and tools to address needs of patients.
- Performed critical measurements for surgical cases, contributing to favorable outcomes in vision correction procedures.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive eye care for patients with complex needs.
- Assisted in emergency situations by performing first aid measures within the scope of certification until further medical assistance arrived.
- Contributed to the successful treatment of eye conditions by administering prescribed medications under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.
- Explained pre- and post-operative procedures to patients and carefully reviewed surgical plans.
- Administered visual acuity tests to measure patient ability to see clearly at different distances and identify visual impairments.
- Instilled anesthetic drops and assisted in laser treatments and minor procedures.
- Measured and recorded visual acuity and color vision testing.
- Conducted Goldman and Humphrey Visual Field Testing as part of overall vision evaluation.
- Worked well with patients, staff, and manufacturer representatives to carry out successful office- and patient-related work each day.
- Provided patients with detailed instructions for pre- and post-op care under physician supervision to promote healing and optimal recovery strategies.
- Safeguarded patient privacy, adhering to HIPAA regulations while handling sensitive information.
- Administered ophthalmic drops and ointments, focusing on patient comfort.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay current on industry advancements and best practices in ophthalmic assistance.
- Streamlined workflow in a fast-paced environment, coordinating tasks with fellow team members for optimal productivity.
- Presented preliminary medical evaluation of clinical patients, delivering comprehensive reports to physicians.
- Improved patient experience by efficiently conducting preliminary eye examinations and diagnostic tests.
- Measured intraocular pressure using Goldman and Tonopen tonometry process.
- Applied eye medications and drops to dilate pupils in preparation for examinations.
- Used Lensometer to measure and record lens power of existing prescriptive spectacles.
- Recorded patient history to help ophthalmologists determine diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Operated ophthalmic equipment for patient eye examinations and prepared patients for examinations and surgeries.
- Performed visual field testing to measure patients' peripheral vision to determine any visual field loss.
- Conducted tonometry testing to measure pressure inside patient's eye to determine presence of glaucoma
- Identified issues during preliminary exam and addressed concerns with physician.
- Gathered patient histories, took measurements and completed diagnostic tests as part of detailed ophthalmic evaluations.
- Promoted positive and smooth patient flow throughout facility, encouraging more efficient operations and boosting patient satisfaction.
- Educated patients and relations on ocular health and safety, promoting good eye care.
- Ensured patient safety, conducting thorough sterilization of ophthalmic instruments and equipment.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Washington University, St. Louis
01.2000 - 12.2004
- Enhanced clinic efficiency with accurate maintenance of patient records and scheduling appointments.
- Increased patient satisfaction by addressing concerns and answering inquiries regarding eye health and procedures.
- Expedited insurance claims processing by verifying coverage details and submitting accurate documentation on behalf of patients.
- Triaged phone calls from patients and outside contacts and handled in order of importance.
- Directed patients to exam rooms for initial evaluations and intake to aide physicians with carrying out efficient appointments.
- Cleaned or sterilized ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
- Helped prepare specimens and slides for laboratory analysis, facilitating fast diagnoses and treatment.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with infection control standards.
- Facilitated effective communication between patients and medical staff, acting as a liaison when needed.
- Enhanced patient comfort during procedures by providing clear instructions and compassionate support throughout their visit.
- Assisted ophthalmologists in providing quality care by preparing patients for examination and procedures.
- Ensured patient safety, conducting thorough sterilization of ophthalmic instruments and equipment.
- Performed critical measurements for surgical cases, contributing to favorable outcomes in vision correction procedures.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive eye care for patients with complex needs.
- Assisted in emergency situations by performing first aid measures within the scope of certification until further medical assistance arrived.
- Contributed to the successful treatment of eye conditions by administering prescribed medications under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.
- Explained pre- and post-operative procedures to patients and carefully reviewed surgical plans.
- Administered visual acuity tests to measure patient ability to see clearly at different distances and identify visual impairments.
- Instilled anesthetic drops and assisted in laser treatments and minor procedures.
- Measured and recorded visual acuity and color vision testing.
- Conducted Goldman and Humphrey Visual Field Testing as part of overall vision evaluation.
- Provided patients with detailed instructions for pre- and post-op care under physician supervision to promote healing and optimal recovery strategies.
- Safeguarded patient privacy, adhering to HIPAA regulations while handling sensitive information.
- Administered ophthalmic drops and ointments, focusing on patient comfort.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay current on industry advancements and best practices in ophthalmic assistance.
- Streamlined workflow in a fast-paced environment, coordinating tasks with fellow team members for optimal productivity.
- Presented preliminary medical evaluation of clinical patients, delivering comprehensive reports to physicians.
- Improved patient experience by efficiently conducting preliminary eye examinations and diagnostic tests.
- Measured intraocular pressure using Goldman and Tonopen tonometry process.
- Applied eye medications and drops to dilate pupils in preparation for examinations.
- Recorded patient history to help ophthalmologists determine diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Operated ophthalmic equipment for patient eye examinations and prepared patients for examinations and surgeries.
- Performed visual field testing to measure patients' peripheral vision to determine any visual field loss.
- Identified issues during preliminary exam and addressed concerns with physician.
- Gathered patient histories, took measurements and completed diagnostic tests as part of detailed ophthalmic evaluations.
- Promoted positive and smooth patient flow throughout facility, encouraging more efficient operations and boosting patient satisfaction.
- Educated patients and relations on ocular health and safety, promoting good eye care.
Education
No Degree - General Studies
Meramec Community College
Saint Louis, MOSkills
- Proficient in ophthalmic terminology
- Visual field testing
- Motivation and initiative
- Ophthalmic imaging
- Prescription verification
- Corneal topography
- Optical coherence tomography
- Fundus photography
- Color vision testing
- Autorefractor knowledge
- Ophthalmic patient care
- Ocular disease management
- Eye pressure monitoring
- Chart documentation
- Patient care
- Patient education
- Medication administration
- Medical history documentation
- Patient relations
- Diagnostic testing
- Visual prescreening
- Eye anatomy
- Electronic health records management
- Cleaning & sanitation
- Examination room preparation
- Ophthalmologist support
- Preliminary testing
- Patient information documentation
Certification
- COA - Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- JCHAPO
Timeline
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2019 - Current
COA - Teleretinal Care Coordinator
Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2009 - 08.2019
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (Contract)
Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2005 - 07.2009
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Washington University, St. Louis
01.2000 - 12.2004
No Degree - General Studies
Meramec Community College