Sara Beth Huckabee, COMT
Arlington,TN
Summary
Articulate Ophthalmic Technician talented in handling both the medical and administrative end of facility work. Accomplished and experienced in a variety of Ophthalmic areas. Well-organized and efficient with sound knowledge of medical terminology and various eye diseases.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Advanced Health Technician Ophthalmology
Memphis VAMC Ophthalmology
07.2021 - Current
- Medical data entry in EHR with detailed HPI
- Preliminary diagnostic testing including: checking visual acuity with and without correction, Pupil assessment and documentation of size, shape, symmetry and reaction to light and accommodation and abnormalities including relative afferent pupillary defect, Lensometry (automated and Manual, recording sphere, cylinder, axis and prism), Peripheral vision testing by Confrontational field exam and formal Visual Field testing, Extraocular muscle testing, Proficiently perform OCT, Fundus Photography, Slit Lamp Photography, FA’s, Ascan ultrasonography, including intra-ocular lens calculations, using immersion A-scan, B scan ultrasonography to identify intraocular masses or abnormalities, IOL calculations, Iolmaster 700, Pachymetry, PAM testing, BAT testing, Glare testing for assessment of Cataracts, Color vision testing, corneal topography, pachymetry
- Setting up and maintaining sterile field and assisting in intravitreal injections
- Assisted in managing initial organization and set up of clinics
- Training of technicians in multiple testing areas, equipment, and documentation
- Review, update and develop selected clinic policies and procedures as requested
- High Reliability in using critical thinking skills while working independently with minimal oversight.
TECS Technician
Memphis VAMC Ophthalmology
03.2020 - 07.2021
- Medical data entry in EHR with detailed HPI
- Preliminary diagnostic testing including: checking visual acuity with and without correction, Pupil assessment and documentation of size, shape, symmetry and reaction to light and accommodation and abnormalities including relative afferent pupillary defect, Lensometry (automated and Manual), Peripheral vision testing by Confrontational field exam and formal Visual Field testing, Extraocular muscle testing, Proficently perform Visual field testing, OCT, Fundus Photography, Slit Lamp Photography, FA’s, and Refraction
- Setting up and maintaining sterile field and assisting in intravitreal injections
- Maintain Ophthalmic equipment, order and replenish stock and medications for 3 clinics at the Jackson CBOC
- Assisted in managing an initial organization and set up of TECS clinics in 3 locations, trained technicians and currently maintain training materials
- Implemented new protocols for clinic and equipment
- Responsible for the requisition of supplies, maintaining stock in exam and procedure rooms; and the timely maintenance of clinical equipment to minimize downtime; performed first-level maintenance on ophthalmic equipment, and communicated the need for repairs or replacement to the office manager and administration
- Scheduling of patients in TECS clinic
- Facilitate Telehealth appointments between patient and physician
- Review, update and develop selected clinic policies and procedures as requested
- High Reliability in using critical thinking skills while working independently with minimal oversight.
Health Technician/COT
Memphis VA Medical Center Optometry Clinic
Memphis, TN
03.2018 - 03.2020
- Medical data entry in EHR with detailed HPI
- Preliminary diagnostic testing including: checking visual acuity with and without correction, Pupil assessment and documentation of size, shape, symmetry and reaction to light and accommodation and abnormalities including relative afferent pupillary defect, Lensometry (automated and Manual, recording sphere, cylinder, axis and prism), Peripheral vision testing by Confrontational field exam and formal Visual Field testing, Extraocular muscle testing, Pachymetry and Proficiently perform OCT, Fundus Photography, Slit Lamp Photography, Keratograph, ORA, and FA’s
- Training Externs in all ancillary testing
- Training new technicians in multiple testing areas, ie
- Equipment, documentation and coding
- Safety Liason for Optometry Clinic, including weekly inspections and employee training
- Monitoring and maintaining/ordering supplies for AED equipment
- High Reliability in using critical thinking skills while working independently with minimal oversight.
Senior Lead Certified Ophthalmic Technician
Memphis Eye and Cataract Associates
Memphis, TN
08.1996 - 02.2018
- Medical data entry in EHR with detailed HPI
- Preliminary diagnostic testing including: checking visual acuity with and without correction, Retinoscopy, Refractometry, Keratometry, Pupil assessment and documentation of size, shape, symmetry and reaction to light and accommodation and abnormalities including relative afferent pupillary defect, checking Intraocular pressure by Applanation Tonometry, Tonopen or ICare, Manual Lensometry, Peripheral vision testing by Confrontational field exam and formal Visual Field testing, color vision testing, Pachymetry, PAM testing, Glare testing, Stereopsis testing, Extraocular muscle testing, Instilling dilating drops prior to the fundus exam
- Basic Slit Lamp exam to evaluate for any pupil abnormalities and anterior chamber depths
- Assisting in-office surgery, lasers and injections
- Patient Education of testing, procedures and surgical options about types of Intra Ocular Lens availability
- Responsible for training new technicians in multiple testing areas, ie
- Equipment, documentation and coding
- Appointment Scheduling/Schedule maintenance
- Provided telephone support regarding ocular emergencies, prescription refills and patient care questions
- FAA and Workmen’s compensation paperwork
- Responsible for ordering, receiving and invoicing orders for clinical area and office surgery
- Review, update and develop selected clinic policies and procedures as requested.
Technician
Vitreoretinal Foundation
Memphis, TN
08.1995 - 08.1996
- Scribing for Physician during exam
- Assisting Physician in exams with patient care
- Assisting with injections and laser procedures
- HPI, visual acuity testing, Pupil assessment and documentation of size, shape, symmetry and reaction to light and accommodation and abnormalities including relative afferent pupillary defect, Lensometry (automated and Manual, recording sphere, cylinder, axis and prism), Peripheral vision testing by Confrontational field exam and formal Visual Field testing instilling dilating drops before fundus exam
- Patient education on testing and procedures
- Training new technicians in multiple testing areas, ie
- Equipment, documentation and coding
- Assisted in the triage of phone calls and walk-in patients
- Traveling to satellite clinics to assist in patient care
- Appointment scheduling/confirmation
Contact Lens Technician
Memphis Family Vision Practice
Memphis, TN
05.1992 - 05.1995
- Teaching Insertion and Removal of Contact Lenses
- Patient education on proper hygiene and care of Contact Lenses
- Contact Lens Ordering and Receiving
- Responsible for maintaining stock of Contact Lenses and Supplies
- Responsible for Contact Lens returns and credits and for accounts payable
- Training new technicians in multiple testing areas, ie
- Equipment, documentation and coding
- Meeting with Contact lens reps to stay up to date on the newest contact lens information and relaying this information to the clinic doctors and staff
Education
COMT - Opht
IJCAHPO
Saint Paul, MN01.2024
COT - Ophthalmology
IJca
Saint Paul, MN11.2016
Oph - Ophthalmology
IJCAHPO
Saint Paul, MN08.1996
Skills
- Core Competencies Include:
- 33 years of providing exceptional ophthalmic care including assessment, documentation and patient education
- Certified and extensively trained in Refractions, Retinoscopy, Applanation Tonometry(Goldman /iCare/tonopen), Confrontational Visual Fields, Humphreys/Goldman/ Tangent screen Visual fields, Stereopsis testing, Pachymetry, Fluorescein Angiography, A-scan ultrasonography, including intra-ocular lens calculations, using immersion A-scan, B scan ultrasonography to identify intraocular masses or abnormalities, IOL calculations, Iolmaster 700, Schirmer Testing, Pupil exam (size, shape, abnormalities, reaction), Basic slit lamp biomicroscopy evaluation to check for abnormalities prior to dilation (ie: anterior chamber depth/iris anomalies) PAM testing, BAT testing, Glare testing, Lensometry (minus/plus cylinder), Color vision testing, Slit lamp photography, Fundas photography, OCT, Slit lamp examinations of pupils/adnexa/angles, Corneal Topography, Keratometry, Dilation, etc
- Proven ability to work well in a supervisory capacity
- Demonstrates skills in motivating and training a professional staff
- Ability to Lead and provide guidance in all situations
- Demonstrates conflict management skills and ability to maintain composure in a high-stress, fast-paced environment
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills in dealing with diverse customers and internal staff members
- Monitors the quality of patient screening and work-ups, documentation, and communication with physicians
- Exceptional Customer Service skills with the ability to independently resolve patient issues regarding multiple areas of patients’ needs in ophthalmology
- Proven ability to enhance clinic practice reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing various requests and exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments
- Demonstrated ability to perform Ophthalmic technician responsibilities at a consistently high level of independence and competence
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Proven ability to deal promptly with emergency situations
Accomplishments
● Received Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification from JCAHPO in July 1996
● Received Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification from JCAHPO in November 2016
Certification
Received Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification from JCAHPO in July 1996
Received Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification from JCAHPO in November 2016
Received Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) certification from JCAHPO in January 2024
Professional Development
Other Certificates Explorations in Leadership (LeadX) VA program Emerging Leaders Explorations in Leadership (LeadX) VA program for Team Leader Leadership: Practical Skills workshop
Additional Information
Volunteer Experience
August 2020- August 2023 President of the Board of a nonprofit organization, responsible for organizing 20+ events per year. With an emphasis on recruitment, training and appointing volunteers to help lead such events. Increased membership by 50% and fundraising by 150% by 2023. Managed and scheduled all monthly board meetings. Handled vendor, volunteer, and board member concerns with 100% satisfied results. Used attention to detail in organizing and arranging travel for out-of-town events. Used critical thinking and conflict resolution skills in improving the working relationship between board members, vendors and volunteers, which allowed us to be able to increase our membership and fundraising totals.
Professional Development
- Explorations in Leadership (LeadX) VA program Emerging Leaders
- Explorations in Leadership (LeadX) VA program for Team Leader
- Leadership: Practical Skills workshop
- Managing People: Secrets to Leading for New Managers
Timeline
Advanced Health Technician Ophthalmology
Memphis VAMC Ophthalmology
07.2021 - Current
TECS Technician
Memphis VAMC Ophthalmology
03.2020 - 07.2021
Health Technician/COT
Memphis VA Medical Center Optometry Clinic
03.2018 - 03.2020
Senior Lead Certified Ophthalmic Technician
Memphis Eye and Cataract Associates
08.1996 - 02.2018
Technician
Vitreoretinal Foundation
08.1995 - 08.1996
Contact Lens Technician
Memphis Family Vision Practice
05.1992 - 05.1995
COMT - Opht
IJCAHPO
COT - Ophthalmology
IJca
Oph - Ophthalmology
IJCAHPO