Sharon Mechlin
Metairie
Summary
Dynamic Certified Ophthalmic Assistant with extensive experience at Neuro-Ophthalmology Institute, excelling in diagnostic testing and patient education. Proven ability to enhance patient care through effective communication and meticulous attention to detail. Skilled in ophthalmic instrumentation and surgical assistance, consistently ensuring high-quality outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Neuro-Ophthalmology Institute
Philadelphia
01.2002 - Current
- Administered ophthalmic drops and ointments for treatment or to aid in diagnostics.
- Demonstrated excellent customer service skills when interacting with patients or their families in person or over the phone.
- Tested patients' visual fields and ocular motility and completed full patient work-ups.
- Administered diagnostic tests to detect glaucoma, retinal detachment and other eye diseases.
- Collected essential medical information and documented data in EHR platform.
- Answered phones in a courteous manner while responding promptly to inquiries from patients or their families.
- Performed ophthalmic testing, including visual acuity, refraction, color vision and depth perception testing.
- Triaged clinical issues to help professionals focus on appointments and maximize time.
- Assisted the doctor in preparing for surgeries by sterilizing instruments and setting up operating room equipment.
- Kept examination rooms, clinical areas and equipment clean and patient-ready.
- Monitored patient progress during post-operative visits to assess healing process.
- Provided support to medical staff by assisting with minor office tasks such as stocking exam rooms with necessary supplies.
- Greeted patients in a professional manner and maintained accurate records of all visits.
- Performed administrative duties such as filing charts, scheduling appointments and managing billing information.
- Maintained inventory of supplies used in daily operations such as solutions, lenses, frames and contacts.
- Reviewed patient histories prior to scheduled appointments to ensure accuracy of information.
- Prepared medications for administration under the direction of an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
- Instructed patients on how to properly insert and remove contact lenses.
- Educated patients about the importance of regular eye exams for maintaining good vision health.
- Collaborated with doctors to ensure that patient care was delivered according to established protocols.
- Collected data from various sources for the purpose of compiling reports for insurance claims processing.
- Provided patient education on proper use of contact lenses, eyeglasses and other ocular products.
- Obtained and recorded patient medical history and operated ophthalmic equipment.
- Observed pupils, visual acuteness and extra-ocular movements to check patient status.
- Prepared patients and administered basic eye exam tests.
- Interacted with eye care providers to facilitate patient treatment goals.
- Cleaned and performed minor maintenance on examination equipment and glasses.
- Sent patient prescriptions to pharmacies and scheduled future appointments.
- Wrote, edited, and filed patient medical records, maintaining confidentiality.
- Performed a wide range of diagnostic tests such as OCT, visual fields, and fundus photography.
- Coordinated with external laboratories and vendors for eyewear and contact lens orders.
- Responded to patient inquiries, offering empathetic support and accurate information.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay abreast of advancements in ophthalmic technology and techniques.
- Conducted comprehensive patient histories, including visual acuity, lensometry, and keratometry measurements.
- Administered and instructed patients on proper contact lens care, insertion, and removal.
- Calibrated and maintained ophthalmic equipment to ensure accuracy in patient diagnostics.
- Implemented safety protocols to protect patients and staff from infectious diseases.
- Conducted tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
- Led patients to exam rooms, collected medical histories and asked questions regarding health and current medications to provide physicians with optimal initial data.
- Addressed issues noted during preliminary examinations with physician to provide important information and boost appointment success.
- Promoted healthy vision by counseling and educating patients.
- Evaluated prescriptions along with clients' work and personal visual requirements.
Vision Screening Technician
Volunteer Work at School
Philadelphia And Metairie
08.2001 - 01.2011
- Operated machinery to complete assigned tasks efficiently and safely.
- Collaborated with colleagues to streamline workflow processes effectively.
- Followed safety practices to safeguard against injury and damage to property.
- Managed quality control and maintained high level of customer satisfaction.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Ophthalmology
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ05-2003
High School Diploma -
Cabrini High School
New Orleans, LA05-1990
Some College (No Degree) - Ophthalmology
Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LASome College (No Degree) - Business Administration
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LASkills
- Ophthalmic testing
- Patient education
- Surgical assistance
- Diagnostic testing
- Equipment calibration
- Customer service
- Inventory management
- Medical documentation
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Autorefractor knowledge
- Eye pressure monitoring
- Refractive error measurement
- Ophthalmic patient care
- Motivation and initiative
- Ophthalmic terminology
- Ophthalmic instrumentation
- Pupil evaluation
- Instrument sterilization
- Ophthalmologist support
- Patient information documentation
- Eye anatomy
- Cleaning & sanitation
- Supply restocking
- Patient relations
- Ophthalmic instrument maintenance
- Fundus photography proficiency
- Minor surgery assistance
- Pachymetry knowledge
- Patient care
Certification
- I was awarded my Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certificate in August 2005.
Personal Experience
- I had a traumatic eye injury in January 1987 which resulted in complete blindness in my left eye. As I learned what happened that contributed to my blindness, I became more interested in learning about my condition and how to create a positive and educational experience through my traumatic incident.
Timeline
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Neuro-Ophthalmology Institute
01.2002 - Current
Vision Screening Technician
Volunteer Work at School
08.2001 - 01.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Ophthalmology
Camden County College
High School Diploma -
Cabrini High School
Some College (No Degree) - Ophthalmology
Delgado Community College
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
University of New Orleans
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