Mary Whitlow
Riverview,FL
Summary
Detail-oriented Lead Optometric Technician with extensive experience in patient care and diagnostic testing. Expertise in managing various vision disorders and utilizing advanced optometry equipment. Enhanced clinic efficiency and patient satisfaction through effective workflow management and team leadership.
Overview
4
4
years of post-secondary education
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Optometric Technician
Eye Site Center
Riverview, FL
11.2021 - Current
- Supervised daily operations of an optometric clinic and staff workflow.
- Assisted optometrists in conducting eye exams and tests.
- Managed patient scheduling and maintained appointment records.
- Trained new optometric technicians on procedures and equipment use.
- Maintained inventory of optical supplies and equipment for clinic use.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols and clinic standards.
- Educated patients on contact lens fitting and care instruction.
- Handled patient inquiries and provided exceptional customer service support.
- Maintained accurate patient records using an electronic medical records system.
- Scheduled appointments for patients seeking vision services.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing healthcare practices.
- Performed comprehensive eye exams, including visual acuity tests, refraction assessments, and glaucoma screenings.
- Developed strategies for increasing efficiency within the practice.
- Participated in continuing education courses related to the optometry field.
- Handled inquiries from patients regarding their diagnoses or treatments.
- Assisted with the ordering and inventory control of contact lenses, eyeglasses frames, and optical supplies.
- Resolved conflicts between staff members over patient care issues.
- Instructed patients on proper contact lens care and maintenance.
- Provided technical support to optometrists during patient examinations.
- Provided exceptional customer service to patients at all times.
- Explained complex vision problems to non-technical personnel.
- Operated computerized systems used by optometrists for patient records management.
- Ensured compliance with federal HIPAA regulations regarding patient privacy rights.
- Maintained patient records according to HIPAA regulations.
- Assessed patient needs and recommended appropriate corrective lenses or treatment plans.
- Analyzed data collected from diagnostic testing procedures.
- Trained new optometric technicians in the use of diagnostic equipment.
- Monitored usage levels of medical supplies and equipment.
- Assisted with visual field testing, ocular photography, optical coherence tomography and pre-exam data collection.
- Supported optometrist with vision screenings and exams by prepping rooms with medical instruments.
- Cleaned and performed minor maintenance on examination equipment and glasses.
- Assisted patients in finding correct medications, eyeglasses and contact lenses.
- Sent patient prescriptions to pharmacies and scheduled future appointments.
- Examined eyes with instruments and pharmaceutical agents to determine visual acuity.
- Analyzed chart in preparation for patient engagement to review diagnostic testing, photos and preventive measures needed.
- Conducted comprehensive pre-test procedures, including visual acuity, color vision, pressure tests, and auto-refraction.
- Provided visual field testing to evaluate peripheral vision and detect abnormalities.
- Coordinated referrals to ophthalmologists for patients requiring further medical treatment.
- Assisted optometrists with patient eye exams, ensuring accurate diagnosis and optimal patient care.
- Managed and maintained patient records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Processed insurance claims, verifying coverage and explaining benefits to patients.
- Trained new staff on optometric testing procedures and clinic protocols.
- Facilitated the ordering and dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses, ensuring timely delivery to patients.
- Implemented infection control procedures for all optometric instruments and patient contact areas.
- Administered and interpreted tests for glaucoma screening and retinal health.
- Collaborated with optometrists to develop and implement care plans for patients with chronic eye conditions.
- Managed patient follow-up care, scheduling routine examinations and monitoring ongoing treatments.
- Scheduled patient appointments, maximizing clinic efficiency and improving patient satisfaction.
- Utilized electronic health record systems for accurate and efficient patient data management.
- Conducted inventory management for optical frames, lenses, and contact lens supplies.
- Educated patients on contact lens care, insertion, removal, and hygiene practice.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patient examinations.
- Answered phones, scheduled appointments, greeted patients and ordered supplies.
- Verified appointment times with patients, preparing charts, pre-admission and consent forms.
- Conducted patient interviews to gather health history, vital signs and information about current medical issues.
- Kept facility stocked with necessary supplies, equipment and instruments.
- Explained treatment procedures and physicians' instructions.
- Communicated with pharmacies for prescription refills on behalf of supervising physician.
- Positioned patients properly during examination or treatment for comfort and safety.
- Handled general office duties to support administrative staff during peak hours.
- Oversaw patient registration, insurance verification, form completion and appointment scheduling to maintain operational efficiency.
- Assisted back office patient processes to reduce office wait times.
- Assisted in the adaptation of eyewear, making adjustments for fit and comfort.
- Administered medications under physician's supervision.
Optometric Technician
MyEyeDr
Clearwater, Florida
09.2018 - 12.2019
- Assisted optometrists with patient eye exams, ensuring accurate diagnosis and optimal patient care.
- Assisted doctors with patient eye examinations and procedures.
- Conducted preliminary tests using autorefractors and visual field equipment.
- Provided visual field testing to evaluate peripheral vision and detect abnormalities.
- Assisted with visual field testing, ocular photography, optical coherence tomography and pre-exam data collection.
- Assisted optometrist with more complex procedures, such as glaucoma testing and retinal imaging.
- Performed preliminary eye exams, including visual acuity tests and color vision tests.
- Screened patients for issues and eye diseases, checking visual acuity, color plates, pupil dilation and papillary function.
- Instructed patients on how to properly use contact lenses or eyeglasses.
- Educated patients on contact lens care and eyewear options.
- Facilitated the ordering and dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses, ensuring timely delivery to patients.
- Managed patient follow-up care, scheduling routine examinations and monitoring ongoing treatments.
- Implemented infection control procedures for all optometric instruments and patient contact areas.
- Ensured that all medical equipment was functioning properly before use.
- Maintained a clean work environment by sterilizing instruments after each use.
- Cleaned and performed minor maintenance on examination equipment and glasses.
- Managed and maintained patient records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Utilized electronic health record systems for accurate and efficient patient data management.
- Managed patient records using electronic health record systems.
- Checked patient records for accuracy and updated them when necessary.
- Provided administrative support such as scheduling follow-up visits or sending reminder notices for upcoming appointments.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and filing paperwork.
- Scheduled patient appointments, maximizing clinic efficiency and improving patient satisfaction.
- Scheduled appointments for patients according to their needs and preferences.
- Scheduled appointments and coordinated patient flow efficiently.
- Maintained smooth patient flow throughout facility, promoting efficient overall operations.
- Documented patient care by charting patient condition and treatment in records.
- Prepared invoices for services rendered and collected payments from patients.
- Analyzed chart in preparation of patient engagement to review diagnostic testing, photos and preventive measures needed.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- Collaborated with optometrists to develop and implement care plans for patients with chronic eye conditions.
- Coordinated referrals to ophthalmologists for patients requiring further medical treatment.
- Documented patient care by charting patient condition and treatment in records.
- Maintained smooth patient flow throughout facility, promoting efficient overall operations.
- Screened patients for issues and eye diseases, checking visual acuity, color plates, pupil dilation and papillary function.
Optometric Technician
Optometry Clinc
Fort Benning, Georgia
09.2014 - 05.2016
- Assisted optometrists with patient eye exams, ensuring accurate diagnosis and optimal patient care.
- Conducted preliminary tests using autorefractors and visual field equipment.
- Assisted with visual field testing, ocular photography, optical coherence tomography and pre-exam data collection.
- Performed preliminary eye exams, including visual acuity tests and color vision tests.
- Educated patients on contact lens care and eyewear options.
- Instructed patients on how to properly use contact lenses or eyeglasses.
- Helped fit contact lenses on customers per doctor's instructions.
- Assisted optometrist with more complex procedures, such as glaucoma testing and retinal imaging.
- Assisted in minor surgical procedures such as corneal foreign body removal.
- Screened patients for issues and eye diseases, checking visual acuity, color plates, pupil dilation and papillary function.
- Addressed issues noted during preliminary examinations with physician to provide important information and boost appointment success.
- Ensured that all medical equipment was functioning properly before use.
- Implemented infection control procedures for all optometric instruments and patient contact areas.
- Maintained a clean work environment by sterilizing instruments after each use.
- Cleaned and performed minor maintenance on examination equipment and glasses.
- Managed and maintained patient records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Managed patient records using electronic health record systems.
- Utilized electronic health record systems for accurate and efficient patient data management.
- Documented patient care by charting patient condition and treatment in records.
- Analyzed chart in preparation of patient engagement to review diagnostic testing, photos and preventive measures needed.
- Processed insurance claims, verifying coverage and explaining benefits to patients.
- Communicated effectively with patients regarding insurance and billing inquiries.
- Contacted insurance companies to verify coverage information prior to treatment.
- Scheduled patient appointments, maximizing clinic efficiency and improving patient satisfaction.
- Scheduled appointments for patients according to their needs and preferences.
- Scheduled appointments and coordinated patient flow efficiently.
- Maintained smooth patient flow throughout facility, promoting efficient overall operations.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- Provided administrative support such as scheduling follow-up visits or sending reminder notices for upcoming appointments.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and filing paperwork.
- Trained new staff on office protocols and equipment usage.
- Trained new staff on optometric testing procedures and clinic protocols.
- Facilitated the ordering and dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses, ensuring timely delivery to patients.
- Conducted inventory management for optical frames, lenses, and contact lens supplies.
- Prepared invoices for services rendered and collected payments from patients.
- Filed paperwork in accordance with HIPAA regulations and office protocols.
- Verified prescriptions written by doctors prior to filling orders.
- Answered phone calls from customers inquiring about services offered by the practice.
- Assisted in the adaptation of eyewear, making adjustments for fit and comfort.
- Processed insurance claims, verifying coverage and explaining benefits to patients.
- Collaborated with optometrists to develop and implement care plans for patients with chronic eye conditions.
- Documented patient care by charting patient condition and treatment in records.
- Maintained smooth patient flow throughout facility, promoting efficient overall operations.
- Screened patients for issues and eye diseases, checking visual acuity, color plates, pupil dilation and papillary function.
- Addressed issues noted during preliminary examinations with physician to provide important information and boost appointment success.
Medical Biller
NPAS Of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
05.1999 - 09.2003
- Process medical claims using coding systems and billing software.
- Review patient accounts for accuracy and completeness before submission.
- Follow up on unpaid claims to ensure timely reimbursement.
- Communicate with healthcare providers to resolve billing discrepancies.
- Collaborate with insurance companies to confirm policy details and coverage limits.
- Contacted insurance providers to verify insurance information and obtain billing authorization.
- Reviewed patient insurance information to ensure accuracy and completeness of claims submission.
- Reviewed account information to confirm patient and insurance information is accurate and complete.
- Verified medical codes for diagnosis, treatments, procedures and supplies using ICD-10 coding system.
- Researched discrepancies between billed charges and payments received from insurance companies or other third party payers.
- Educate patients on billing procedures and payment options available.
- Communicated with insurance representatives to complete claims processing or resolve problem claims.
- Performed follow up activities on unpaid claims with insurance companies or other third party payers by phone or written correspondence.
- Maintained accurate records of all billing activity in accordance with departmental standards.
- Applied HIPAA privacy and security regulations while handling patient information.
- Answered incoming calls regarding billing inquiries from patients and and or providers in a professional manner.
- Performed daily reconciliation of accounts receivable with payment postings on the computer system.
- Input details into accounts and tracked payments.
- Collected, posted and managed patient account payments.
- Performed insurance verification, pre-certification and pre-authorization.
- Processed invoice payments and recorded information in account database.
- Monitored past due accounts and pursued collections on outstanding invoices.
- Managed all payments processing, invoicing and collections tasks.
- Assisted with collection efforts as needed including contacting patients via phone, mail or email for collection of past due balances due to insurance denials or patient responsibility amounts owed.
- Coordinated communications between patients, billing personnel and insurance carriers.
- Organized information for past-due accounts and transferred to collection agency.
- Collaborated with managers to develop strategies for improving revenue cycle processes.
- Maintained accurate patient data in electronic health records system.
- Distributed or posted financial data to appropriate accounts and prepare simple reconciliations.
- Developed strong professional rapport with vendors and clients.
- Reconciled codes against services rendered.
- Investigated past due invoices and delinquent accounts to generate revenues and reduce number of unpaid and outstanding accounts.
- Gathered information to produce accounts payable reports for review.
- Enforced compliance with organizational policies and federal requirements regarding confidentiality.
- Identified professional development opportunities and delivered comprehensive, standardized and hands-on training to new staff.
- Provided training and support to new staff members regarding billing processes.
- Identified professional development opportunities and delivered comprehensive, standardized and hands-on training to new staff.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 08.1993 - 09.1997
Skills
- Patient management
- Optical equipment usage
- Diagnostic testing
- Medical record management
- Compliance assurance
- Customer service
- Staff training
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Patient care coordination
- Staff training and development
- Electronic health records management
- Time efficiency
- Medical terminology
- Optometric Pre-testing proficiency
- HIPAA compliance
- Clinical documentation accuracy
- Quality assurance monitoring
- Eye health education
- Visual field testing
- Ophthalmic equipment operation
- Strong communication skills
- Diagnostic imaging interpretation
- Optometric equipment operation
- Color vision testing
- Tonometry testing
- Scribing
- Eye health assessment
- Ocular anatomy proficiency
- Customer education
- Glaucoma screening
- Pre-testing procedures
- Retinal photography
- Medical terminology proficiency
- Chart preparation
- Patient recordkeeping
- Diagnostic imaging
- Patient testing
- Quality control
- Geriatric care
- Medical office assistant (NCMOA)
- Medication administration
- Vision testing
- Team leadership
- Patient education
- Organization and time management
- Troubleshooting
Accomplishments
- Specializing in pediatric and geriatric care.
- Specializing in non verbal patients
- Specialize in diabetic exams and co-mananging patient's care with other providers
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead Optometric Technician
Eye Site Center
11.2021 - Current
Optometric Technician
MyEyeDr
09.2018 - 12.2019
Optometric Technician
Optometry Clinc
09.2014 - 05.2016
Medical Biller
NPAS Of Louisville
05.1999 - 09.2003
Bachelor of Science -
University of Louisville
08.1993 - 09.1997