Tonya Whitfield
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Michigan
Summary
Skilled COA adept at evaluating complex eye diseases and cross-examining patient medical history to verify information. Prepares patients for ophthalmology tests and maintains all operating equipment. Friendly and accommodating with excellent workflow management and task delegation skills.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Millman Derr Center For Eye Care
08.2021 - Current
- Enhanced patient care by performing accurate and efficient diagnostic testing in ophthalmology procedures. Performed Visual Fields, Operated OCT , Fundus Photo, Auto Refractor, and Lensometer.
- Educated patients on proper eye care techniques, resulting in improved overall ocular health outcomes.
- Demonstrated adaptability by learning new technologies such as the ITRACE, Pentacam, IOL Master, Corneal Cell Check for Cataract surgery. Also used TearLab for Dry Eye checks. Learned a new EMR called IMEDIC with Dr First.
- Worked with OD to perform contact lens exams. Instructed patient in care of use of various types of contact lenses, demonstrating insertion, removal, and cleaning.
- Managed 10-20 calls and computer tasks daily while working up a busy schedule.
Certified Ophthalmic Technician
Eastside Eye Physicians
09.2008 - 07.2021
- Operated ophthalmic equipment for patient eye examinations and prepared patients for examinations and surgeries.
- Explained pre- and post-operative procedures to patients and carefully reviewed surgical plans.
- Measured and recorded visual acuity and color vision testing.
- Performed lensometry and sit-lamp examinations.
- Instilled anesthetic drops and assisted in laser treatments and minor procedures.
- Conducted corneal pachymetry as screening for Keratoconus, LRI surgery and glaucoma.
- Conducted Goldman and Humphrey Visual Field Testing as part of overall vision evaluation.
- Measured corneal curvature using keratometer to determine axis and extent of astigmatism.
- Used Lensometer to measure and record lens power of existing prescriptive spectacles.
- Applied eye medications and drops to dilate pupils in preparation for examinations.
- Measured intraocular pressure using Goldman and Tonopen tonometry process.
- Adjusted fit and conducted minor repairs to eyeglasses as part of patient fit process.
- Triaged phone calls from patients and outside contacts and handled in order of importance.
- Worked well with patients, staff and manufacturer representatives to carry out successful office- and patient-related work each day.
- Cleaned or sterilized ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
- Provided patients with detailed instructions for pre- and post-op care under physician supervision to promote healing and optimal recovery strategies.
- Directed patients to exam rooms for initial evaluations and intake, including history, medication and symptom documentation, to aide physicians with carrying out efficient appointments.
Certified Ophthalmic Technician
Physician Eyecare Associates
07.2007 - 09.2008
- Observed pupils, visual acuteness, and extra-ocular movements to check patient status.
- Obtained and recorded patient medical history and operated ophthalmic equipment.
- Maintained smooth patient flow throughout facility, promoting efficient overall operations.
- Took anatomical or functional ocular measurements of eye or surrounding tissue, including axial length measurements.
- Conducted tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
- Promoted healing and patient satisfaction by delivering detailed instructions for pre- and post-op eye care to patients as directed by physicians.
- 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.
- Led patients to exam rooms, collected medical histories and asked questions regarding health and current medications to provide physicians with optimal initial data.
Education
Certification - Ophthalmic Assistant
Detroit Institute Of Ophthalmology
Grosse Pointe, MI03.2005
Some College Course Work Completed - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI06.1988
Skills
- Retinoscopy and Manual refractions in the phoropter
- Accurate use of lensometer
- Performs Calibration of technical ophthalmic screening instruments
- Accurate Chart documentation
- Accurate Visual prescreening
- Exact pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation Performs swinging flashlight test to detect a relative afferent pupillary defect
- Delicate instillation of eye medications (drops or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilating drops, cycloplegia drops, or antibiotics)
- Correctly measures intraocular pressure with standard techniques, including Goldmann applanation tonometer
Certification
- Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) 2006 to Present
Timeline
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Millman Derr Center For Eye Care
08.2021 - Current
Certified Ophthalmic Technician
Eastside Eye Physicians
09.2008 - 07.2021
Certified Ophthalmic Technician
Physician Eyecare Associates
07.2007 - 09.2008
Certification - Ophthalmic Assistant
Detroit Institute Of Ophthalmology
Some College Course Work Completed - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Michigan State University
- Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) 2006 to Present
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