Joanne Castro-Pangelinan is the fourth technician of Marianas Eye Institute to get the recognition from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology.
Marianas Eye Institute CEO Russ Quinn said the three other certified ophthalmic assistants in the CNMI are Emilly Taitano, Lin Muleta and Thelma Tenorio.
Quinn said the Marianas Eye Institute now has nine nationally recognized certifications including certified opticians, certified contact lens fitters and certified ophthalmic coders —more than any other eye clinic in the region.
“We have been hailed as one of the best equipped eye clinics in the Asia Pacific region. We have introduced some of the most advanced eye care technologies into the CNMI, published articles in scientific journals and we are part of one of the most important research networks for diabetic eye disease, yet raising the level of our staff is what we’re proudest of. We empower our staff, and they serve their community,” Quinn said.
A graduate of Marianas High School, Castro-Pangelinan, has been employed at Marianas Eye Institute since 1999.
Castro-Pangelinan said her experience at Marianas Eye Institute and the training she received from Khorram and Dr. Mark Robertson qualified her and the rest of the team to sit for the examination.
“There were many long hours of studying involved. It was a three-and-a-half hour exam, but I felt confident when I completed it,” Castro-Pangelinan said.
The certified ophthalmic assistant examination covers 19 knowledge areas of diverse topics such as history taking, equipment maintenance and repair, microbiology, pharmacology, surgical assisting, ophthalmic imaging, patient education, spectacle skills, refractometry, lensometry, visual assessment and medical ethics, legal and regulatory issues.
Marianas Eye Institute medical director Dr. David Khorram said they have accomplished a lot over the years, but he believes that training the staff has been its greatest accomplishment.
“We’re very proud of our staff and these certifications are a great achievement for them. In addition to the sense of accomplishment, along with each level of certification comes a nice raise. We believe in rewarding our staff for their accomplishments,” Khorram said.
Marianas Eye Institute opened in 1998 on Beach Road in Garapan across from the 13 Fishermen Memorial. The clinic provides complete eye care, full-time ophthalmology services, including surgery and laser, and the treatment of diabetic eye disease.
Insurance and self-pay is accepted. For appointments or for more information, call 235-9090 or visit www.MarianasEye.com.
