Thelma Tenorio, a graduate of Marianas High School, has been working for the Marianas Eye Institute since 2002.
She joins Emilly Taitano and Lin Muleta as the only certified ophthalmic assistants, or COA, of the CNMI.
Marianas Institute founder Dr. David Khorram said they are very proud of Tenorio.
“These certifications are a great achievement for them, and in addition to the sense of accomplishment because along with each level of certification comes more compensation as rewards,” Khorram said.
Tenorio said Khorram has been encouraging her for years to take the COA examination but she was scared.
“I thought I just didn’t know enough,” she said, adding that when she took the three-and-a-half-hour examination, she was surprised at how quickly she was able to finish it.
She said she realized that the training and experience she received at the Marianas Eye Institute from her mentors were very thorough.
Dr. Mark Robertson, the optometric physician at Marianas Eye Institute, held evening review sessions to help the staff prepare for the examination.
It covers 19 knowledge areas 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.
Khorram said the clinic now has eight nationally recognized certifications — more than any other eye clinic in the region.
He said three other staffers are now preparing to take the examination, and all their current COA’s are also preparing to take the advanced certified ophthalmic technician examination.
Khorram said in addition to being recognized as certified ophthalmic assistants, their staff members have ga
ined expertise as certified opticians, certified contact lens fitters and certified ophthalmic coders.
“Our mission as an eye clinic is quite simple — Excellence with Love,” Khorram said.
Marianas Eye Institute opened in 1998 on Beach Road in Garapan, across from the 13 Fishermen Monument. The clinic provides complete eye care, including one-hour glasses, contact lenses, medical eye care, surgery and laser. Insurance is accepted, as well as self-pay. Walk-ins are welcome or appointments can be made by calling 235-9090 or through the website www.MarianasEye.com.
