Michelle E Rench
Collinsville
Summary
Dedicated Optometry Technician with extensive experience with a Proven ability to enhance patient satisfaction through effective communication and customer service management. Committed to maintaining high standards of care while fostering a welcoming environment for patients. I have re-entered the optometry field after 8 years experience at Scott Air Force Base.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Optometry Technician
Clarkson eyecare
Collinsville
08.2025 - Current
- Assisted in patient examinations and vision tests using diagnostic equipment.
- Prepared patients for exams by collecting medical histories and updating records.
- Scheduled appointments and managed patient flow efficiently in clinic.
- Scheduled appointments for patients according to their needs and preferences.
- Answered phone calls from customers inquiring about services offered by the practice.
- Maintained a clean work environment by sterilizing instruments after each use.
- Instructed patients on how to properly use contact lenses or eyeglasses.
- Performed preliminary eye exams, including visual acuity tests and color vision tests.
- Provided administrative support such as scheduling follow-up visits or sending reminder notices for upcoming appointments.
- Provided guidance to patients regarding the selection of frames, lenses, and other eyewear accessories based on their individual requirements.
- Verified prescriptions written by doctors prior to filling orders.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and filing paperwork.
- Provided visual field testing to evaluate peripheral vision and detect abnormalities.
- Performed frame and lens selection consultations, providing personalized recommendations based on patient needs.
- Scheduled patient appointments, maximizing clinic efficiency and improving patient satisfaction.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
Certified Optometric Technician
Department of Defense (Air Force Civilian)
Scott Air Force Base
09.2009 - 07.2013
- Assisted military personnel in preparation for optometrist evaluations.
- Certified as an optometric technician, trained on job-specific tasks.
- Managed front desk responsibilities and scheduled patient appointments.
- Performed visual acuity and color vision screenings proficiently.
- Conducted auto refractions and non-contact tonometry efficiently.
- Executed fundus photography and Humphrey field of vision tests.
- Ordered and fitted glasses and contact lenses accurately.
- Completed OCT testing and pachymetry with precision.
- Assisted in fitting and adjusting eyeglasses and contact lenses for patients.
- Conducted comprehensive patient eye examinations and recorded visual acuity data.
- Managed patient records using electronic health record systems efficiently.
- Coordinated with healthcare providers to ensure seamless patient care services.
- Trained junior staff on clinical procedures and equipment usage effectively.
- Protected patients by observing strict HIPAA guidelines.
- Performed basic administrative tasks such as typing reports, filing documents and answering phones.
- Ordered frames, lenses and other optical supplies as needed.
- Scheduled appointments for patient follow-up visits.
- Performed initial patient screening by obtaining medical history, verifying insurance information and completing paperwork.
- Measured corneal curvature using keratometers or topographers.
- Helped maintain cleanliness of equipment and exam rooms between visits.
- Advised customers on frame selection based on their facial features.
- Dispensed eyewear according to prescriptions written by doctors.
- Assisted with visual field testing, ocular photography, optical coherence tomography and pre-exam data collection.
- Assisted patients in finding correct medications, eyeglasses and contact lenses.
- Performed frame and lens selection consultations, providing personalized recommendations based on patient needs.
Medical Assistant / Health Clerk
Collinsville Unit 10 School District
Collinsville
01.2006 - 08.2009
- Certified by IDPH to become a vision and hearing technician
- Performed vision and hearing screenings on hundreds of students in the district
- Kept records in the school district medical program
- Followed up with parents on students' results.
- Made appointments for the student to be seen if need be by an optometrist or hearing doctor.
- Compiled state reports for vision and hearing results.
- Dispensed medication to students under the lead district nurse.
- Performed first aid, and general vital signs on students.
- Worked directly with the community as a member of the Collinsville wellness team.
- School physical information input data into the schools medical manager program
- Tracked immunization records.
Medical Assistant
Bard and Didrikson Pediatrics
02.2006 - 01.2007
- 200 hours of certified medical assistant externship for my CMA
- Hired on as a medical assistant after my externship
- Direct patient care
- Front desk duties
- Certified medical assist duties as assigned
- Injections
- Lab tests
- Urinalysis
- Vital signs
- Breathing treatments
- Growth charts
- Keeping patient room stocked with supplies
- Keeping rooms clean, and organized
- Swabbing for RSV, and strep
- Medical software
- Telephone triage
Instructional Classroom Aid Sub and Playground Aid
Collinsville Unit 10 School District
Collinsville
08.2001 - 05.2003
- Instructional Class room aid sub and playground aid
Education
Certification - Vision and hearing program
Illinois Department of Public Health
Illinois Public Health 01.2007
Certificate -
Southwestern Illinois College
Granite City, Illinois05.2005
High School -
Collinsville High School
Collinsville, IL05.1992
Certification - Certified Paraoptometric
Commission of Paraoptometric Certification
Skills
- Visual acuity testing
- Medical records
- Customer relationship management
- Appointment scheduling
- Patient education
- Cleaning and sterilization
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Administrative support
- Visual field testing
- Color vision testing
- Prescription interpretation
- Optical coherence tomography
- Fundus photography
- Ophthalmic measurements
- Eyewear adjustment
- Corneal topography
- Retinal imaging
- Optical dispensing
- Ophthalmic terminology
- Glaucoma screening
- Payment collection
- Medical terminology proficiency
- Optometric equipment operation
- Customer education
- Pre-testing procedures
- Patient testing
- Retinal photography
- Frame selection assistance
- Eyewear adjustments
- Patient care coordination
- Teamwork
- Patient examination
Skills
Vital signs, Patient preparation, Injections, Computer skills, Medical Manager program, Pediatric office experience, Optometry clinic experience as a certified optometry technician, Visual acuity screenings, Color vision screenings, Depth perception screening, Calling in of scrips to the pharmacy, Excellent customer service skills, in person and on phone, Articulate, Computer skills, Data entry skills, Organization skills, Phone etiquette, Scheduling of appointments, Cancelling of appointments, Accounts, Insurance verification, Organizer of refractive surgery program, Assists with IDPH state health reports, Detailed, Strong communication skills, Filing, Team player, also enjoy independence, Time management, Helping customers pick out frames and measuring for bifocal, and progressive lens.
Timeline
Optometry Technician
Clarkson eyecare
08.2025 - Current
Certified Optometric Technician
Department of Defense (Air Force Civilian)
09.2009 - 07.2013
Medical Assistant
Bard and Didrikson Pediatrics
02.2006 - 01.2007
Medical Assistant / Health Clerk
Collinsville Unit 10 School District
01.2006 - 08.2009
Instructional Classroom Aid Sub and Playground Aid
Collinsville Unit 10 School District
08.2001 - 05.2003
Certification - Vision and hearing program
Illinois Department of Public Health
Certificate -
Southwestern Illinois College
High School -
Collinsville High School
Certification - Certified Paraoptometric
Commission of Paraoptometric Certification