At Piedmont Eye Center, we understand the value of building relationships with our patients. Over the past several months, we have introduced you to the staff members you’ll see when you come to the office. Today’s “Meet the Staff” post is all about Lauren!
What is your role at Piedmont Eye Center?
I came on board at Piedmont Eye Center as a Visual Field Technician. Doctors request that patients receive this test to help them find early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma or neurological problems such as tumors and strokes. After being at Piedmont Eye Center for 4 months, I learned how to use another machine called the Cirrus O.C.T (Optical coherence tomography). An O.C.T. scan is compared to an ultrasound but it is using light instead of sound. It checks for any thickness, swelling or fluid within the retina. I am also trained to use a Nidek camera to perform Fundus Photography. Similar to an O.C.T., the Fundus camera takes color photos within the back of the eye showing exactly where treatment might be needed. I also act as the overseer of the daily operations of the imaging department. My duties are to train new staff, coordinate clinical research data capture requirements, and ensure equipment and maintenance operations are done monthly. I have thoroughly enjoyed taking on new roles here at Piedmont Eye Center.
How long have you worked at Piedmont?
I have been with Piedmont for almost 8 years. I live in Amherst County, which is about a 45 minute drive, but I have been very committed to Piedmont. Piedmont has been good to me through the years and is a family-oriented practice that really cares about you. It’s always a joy to come to work because I look forward to being around my co-workers who have become my really close friends who I consider family.
What do you love most about your job and why?
What I love most about my job is getting to know our patients. I have always been a people person and I enjoy meeting new people. I want to treat people the way I’d want to be treated when I go to a doctor’s office. It’s always comforting to have a nice, bright, smiling face helping you when you need it.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy being outside spending the day with my family. I’ve been married for 7 years to my wonderful husband, Jason, and we have a 6 year old son named Brody. We always take the advantage of being outside all day when it’s a beautiful, sunny day, whether it’s playing any type of sport, going to the swimming pool or taking our dogs to the river to play. Making memories means the most to me!
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring one thing, what would it be and why?
Sunscreen! I would be burnt to a crisp in no time!
If money was not a concern what would you do every day if you didn’t work and why?
If I didn’t have to worry about money, I’d love to drive across the country. It’s always been something me and my husband have talked about doing, but it’s very expensive and time consuming. Another thing I would love would be to live right on the beach. We wouldn’t do anything but sit in our chairs all day with a nice cold drink in our hands.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
What I would give to have dinner with my Grandma again. My Grandma was a huge part of my life and my role model. She passed away in February of 2018 from a short sickness of pneumonia. She was a Godly woman who put her family before any of her needs. She raised 4 children by herself and worked very hard to provide for them. She lived a beautiful 95 years and I was more than blessed for having her in 28 years of my life. Love you forever, Grandma!
Coke or Pepsi? Coffee or tea?
I don’t drink sodas or coffee. I’m a sweet tea kind of gal.