Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
LANGUAGES
Timeline
Generic

LAUREN CAVAZOS

Austin,TX

Summary

Clinical research professional with over 15 years of experience in ophthalmology, including extensive involvement in retina-focused clinical trials. Skilled in patient recruitment, regulatory documentation, source data verification, and protocol compliance under GCP and FDA guidelines. Proven ability to collaborate with investigators and site staff, support sponsor monitoring visits, and maintain audit-ready documentation. Brings hands-on expertise in assisting with ophthalmic procedures, coordinating study operations, and ensuring data accuracy across multiple trials.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Director of Clinical Trials

Austin Research Center for Retina
01.2024 - Current
  • Oversee and manage a clinical research team of 5 staff members, ensuring effective delegation, training, and performance in alignment with study protocols and organizational goals.
  • Lead and coordinate pre-study assessment visits and all aspects of site initiation for new clinical trials, including regulatory document preparation and IRB/IBC submissions.
  • Ensure protocol compliance by facilitating training and certification for all delegated personnel.
  • Streamline clinic scheduling and daily operations to maintain seamless integration of research activities within clinical workflows.
  • Maintain and manage Investigator Site Files (ISF) for each protocol in accordance with regulatory standards.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously update source documents based on protocol requirements and electronic Case Report Form (eCRF) standards
  • Lead recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes for new team members, maintaining a high-performing research staff aligned with organizational standards.

Clinical Research Coordinator

Austin Research Center for Retina
10.2020 - Current
  • Recruited and screened eligible participants for ophthalmology clinical trials, performing intake assessments including ETDRS and EVA BCVA visual acuity testing, IOP measurements, ECGs, and vital signs in alignment with GCP and protocol requirements.
  • Assisted investigators with ophthalmic procedures such as intravitreal injections and aqueous humor sample collection, maintaining sterile technique and ensuring patient safety.
  • Maintained accurate source documentation and completed case report forms (CRFs) in accordance with protocol timelines; entered data into Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems with precision and compliance.
  • Served as the primary point of contact for participants, providing detailed study education, coordinating visits, and ensuring adherence to study schedules.
  • Managed lab sample processing and shipments according to IATA regulations.
  • Oversaw inventory of clinical and lab supplies to ensure readiness and prevent disruptions in study conduct.
  • Supported sponsor monitoring visits and regulatory audits by preparing documentation and ensuring audit-readiness of site files.
  • Participated in investigator meetings and ophthalmology-focused trainings to stay current on advancements and study-specific procedures.

Ophthalmic Scribe and Surgical Coordinator

Retina Consultants of Austin
02.2017 - 06.2021
  • Served as the scribe for all three physicians, accurately documenting patient encounters and supporting efficient charting during clinic visits.
  • Assisted in ophthalmic procedures including intravitreal injections, cryoretinopexy, pneumatic retinopexy, and laser treatments by preparing sterile instruments and ensuring patient safety.
  • Triaged patient phone calls and coordinated timely responses with physicians for urgent clinical concerns.
  • Managed surgical scheduling for all three physicians, sending detailed orders to surgical centers, and educating patients on surgical procedures and expectations.
  • Provided additional clinical support as needed to maintain patient flow, including performing patient workups and conducting diagnostic imaging.

Instructor for Ophthalmic Assistant Program - OPTS 2041 Ophthalmic Techniques

Austin Community College
08.2014 - 02.2017
  • Instructed 4–6 students in a hands-on clinical setting, providing individualized guidance and real-time feedback on foundational ophthalmic examination techniques.
  • Taught students how to perform comprehensive patient workups, including obtaining history of present illness (HPI), measuring Snellen visual acuity, and performing manifest refraction.
  • Trained students in tonometry (intraocular pressure measurement), extraocular motility testing, and confrontational visual field assessments.
  • Provided instruction on the use of a lensometer to manually measure glasses prescriptions, ensuring accuracy and consistency in student technique.
  • Fostered a supportive and educational clinical environment that emphasized patient care, technical skill, and adherence to clinical standards.

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Eye Physicians of Austin
05.2013 - 02.2017
  • Performed comprehensive ophthalmic patient workups, including collecting HPI, measuring Snellen visual acuity, conducting manifest refractions, and assessing intraocular pressure using Tono-Pen and Goldmann tonometry.
  • Conducted extraocular motility testing and confrontational visual field assessments to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Accurately documented clinical findings in EMR systems while scribing for physicians, ensuring complete and compliant medical records.
  • Triaged patient phone calls, addressed clinical concerns, and communicated effectively with patients to coordinate follow-up care and procedures.
  • Collaborated closely with physicians, fellow technicians, and support staff to deliver seamless patient experiences in high-volume ophthalmic settings.

Ophthalmic Technician/Surgical Assistant/Office Manager

ProVista Eye Clinic
11.2006 - 05.2013
  • Assisted the surgeon in the operating room during weekly cataract surgeries, ensuring sterile technique and efficient surgical workflow.
  • Supported LASIK, PRK, and other in-office ophthalmic procedures by preparing instruments, assisting during treatment, and coordinating patient care.
  • Performed timely and professional patient workups, including history collection, visual acuity testing, and pre-operative assessments.
  • Organized and scheduled all surgical procedures, communicating with patients, surgical centers, and clinical staff to ensure readiness and compliance.
  • Processed bi-weekly payroll and supervised a staff of four, ensuring task delegation, schedule coverage, and smooth daily operations.
  • Composed and distributed post-visit reports and surgical updates to referring providers, maintaining strong professional communication and follow-up.
  • Managed office supply inventory, placing timely orders to support uninterrupted clinical operations and procedural readiness.

Receptionist

Capital Pediatric Group
01.2008 - 10.2009
  • Check in patients and verify insurance eligibility. Check out patients, enter charges for visit and charge copay. Balance out cash register at the end of each day. Schedule appointments for multiple doctors.

Education

High School Diploma -

A.S. Johnston High School
Austin, TX
01-2006

Skills

  • Clinical Trial Oversight: Full-cycle management of ophthalmic trials, including start-up, regulatory, patient enrollment, and close-out
  • Retina-Specific Knowledge: Expertise in protocols and workflows related to diabetic retinopathy, DME, AMD, GA, and RVO
  • Regulatory Compliance: Deep understanding of FDA, ICH-GCP, and IRB requirements; ensures consistent protocol adherence and documentation standards
  • Staff Leadership: Skilled in recruiting, training, and managing clinical research teams; promotes staff development and accountability
  • Patient Recruitment & Retention: Develops and implements strategies to meet enrollment goals while maintaining participant engagement
  • Source Documentation & eCRFs: Creates and maintains protocol-specific source documents aligned with EDC requirements
  • EDC Systems: Proficient in platforms such as Medidata RAVE and Veeva Vault; ensures timely data entry and resolution of queries
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective communicator across multidisciplinary teams including investigators, sponsors, and CROs
  • Monitoring & Audit Preparation: Maintains audit-ready files and leads responses during monitoring visits and regulatory inspections
  • Operational Efficiency: Streamlines clinic workflows and scheduling to support research without disrupting standard patient care

Certification

  • COA - Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (2014)

LANGUAGES

Spanish - Speak, read, and write with basic competence.
Professional Working

Timeline

Assistant Director of Clinical Trials

Austin Research Center for Retina
01.2024 - Current

Clinical Research Coordinator

Austin Research Center for Retina
10.2020 - Current

Ophthalmic Scribe and Surgical Coordinator

Retina Consultants of Austin
02.2017 - 06.2021

Instructor for Ophthalmic Assistant Program - OPTS 2041 Ophthalmic Techniques

Austin Community College
08.2014 - 02.2017

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Eye Physicians of Austin
05.2013 - 02.2017

Receptionist

Capital Pediatric Group
01.2008 - 10.2009

Ophthalmic Technician/Surgical Assistant/Office Manager

ProVista Eye Clinic
11.2006 - 05.2013

High School Diploma -

A.S. Johnston High School

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