Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Paulina Kosciolek

Chicago,IL

Summary

Dedicated to delivering exceptional comprehensive eye care through dual expertise in ocular disease management and specialty contact lens services. Clinical experience encompasses both anterior segment conditions—including keratoconus co-management and post-surgical corneal rehabilitation—and posterior segment disease monitoring for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vascular disorders. Proven ability to manage complex, multi-comorbidity cases while maintaining excellence in therapeutic contact lens applications. Strong foundation in interdisciplinary collaboration, patient education, and utilizing advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities across all aspects of eye care.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Extern

Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center
08.2025 - Current

Primary Care Intern

  • Conducted serial examinations and documentation for glaucoma patients to track disease progression and treatment response
  • Performed routine monitoring of diabetic retinopathy patients, identifying changes in retinal status and coordinating with endocrinology teams
  • Assessed and tracked cardiovascular disease (CVD) related ocular manifestations including hypertensive retinopathy and vascular occlusions
  • Coordinated follow-up scheduling and care plans for patients with multiple comorbidities affecting vision
  • Documented clinical findings and treatment responses for quality assurance and continuity of care
  • Provided patient education on disease management and lifestyle modifications for chronic ocular conditions

Extern

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
05.2025 - 08.2025

Primary Care, Medical Contact Lens, and TBI Extern.

  • Fitted and managed complex contact lens cases including post-surgical, therapeutic, and specialty lens applications
  • Collaborated with ophthalmologists and optometrists to develop individualized contact lens treatment plans for patients with corneal irregularities, dry eye, and other ocular conditions
  • Assisted with emergency cases including foreign body removal and retinal detachments
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary TBI treatment teams including neurologists, ophthalmologists, and rehabilitation specialists to optimize visual outcomes
  • Supported NICoE's mission to advance treatment protocols for service members with traumatic brain injuries through specialized vision care

Extern

Illinois Eye Institute

To be completed in Winter of 2025

Extern

Solo Eye Care

To be completed in Spring of 2026

Tutor

Illinois College of Optometry
  • Tutored in Ant Seg Disease, Gross Anatomy, Ocular Anatomy, Retina and Neuro.
  • Developed customized learning materials and visual aids to enhance student comprehension of complex anatomical concepts
  • Mentored students in clinical correlation between anatomical structures and ocular disease presentations
  • Facilitated small group discussions and hands-on learning sessions for anatomy and ocular disease topics
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills by translating complex medical concepts into understandable terms

Volunteer

Apna Ghar
  • Volunteered at Apna Ghar to provide comprehensive refraction services for underserved women and families
  • Performed accurate refractions and visual acuity assessments for women seeking vision care services
  • Conducted preliminary eye examinations including visual field screening and ocular health assessments
  • Supported Apna Ghar's mission to provide essential healthcare services to women in crisis and their families

Optometric Technician

Chicago Vision Consultants
12.2020 - 08.2023
  • Assisted in patient examinations, ensuring accurate data collection and equipment setup.
  • Managed appointment scheduling and patient flow to optimize clinic efficiency.
  • Conducted preliminary tests, including visual acuity and non-contact tonometry, supporting optometrists in diagnosis.
  • Educated patients on contact lens options and proper care practices during consultations.
  • Trained new staff on clinical procedures and best practices, fostering a knowledgeable work environment.
  • Assisted with insurance questions, eligibility, and prior authorizations of medications and glasses.
  • Instructed patients on contact lens insertion and removal and lens care guidelines.

Education

Doctor of Optometry -

Illinois College of Optometry
Chicago
05-2026

Bachelor of Science - Biology

University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL
05-2021

Skills

  • Patience and empathy
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Ocular health evaluation
  • Patient counseling
  • Dry eye management
  • Ocular disease diagnosis
  • Retinal imaging analysis
  • Operating [OCT, Tomography, HVF]

Certification

CPR, 2024

Paragon CRT, 2024

Euclid,2024

Languages

Polish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Extern

Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center
08.2025 - Current

Extern

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
05.2025 - 08.2025

Optometric Technician

Chicago Vision Consultants
12.2020 - 08.2023

Extern

Illinois Eye Institute

Extern

Solo Eye Care

Tutor

Illinois College of Optometry

Volunteer

Apna Ghar

Doctor of Optometry -

Illinois College of Optometry

Bachelor of Science - Biology

University of Illinois At Chicago