Certified Staff

RNs work in the surgery center and are licensed by the State of Arkansas. They provide individualized and specialized nursing care to patients in accordance with physician's orders and recognized nursing techniques.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct the pre-operative assessment
• Prepare the operating room and equipment prior to surgery
• Assist doctor during surgery
• Conduct post-surgical follow-up in the recovery room

Licensed Opticians work in our optical department and are certified by the Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians. They have completed no less than a 3-year apprenticeship and are required to take a state written and practical exam to be certified.

Responsibilities:

• Fill prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses
• Help people select appropriate glasses
• Fit lenses into eyeglass frames
• Adjust eyeglass frames for comfort and proper lens position
• Clean and polish contact lenses

COTs work primarily with our ophthalmologists and are certified by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). To become a Certified Ophthalmic Technician, a person must first be a certified Ophthalmic Assistant, complete 27 hours of additional education, and work 2,000 additional hours to be eligible for the COT test.

Responsibilities:

• Obtain medical histories from patients
• Administer diagnostic tests
• Measure and record vision
• Test eye muscle function
• Provide contact lens education
• Administer eye medication
• Maintain optical and surgical instruments

COAs work with our doctors and are certified by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). To become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, a staff member must complete 18 hours of education and work 2,000 hours to be eligible for the COA test.

Responsibilities:

• Obtain medical histories from patients
• Instruct patients about medications, tests, and procedures
• Perform various vision and diagnostic tests
• Coordinate patient scheduling