Taitano obtains eye care board certification

Emilly Taitano achieved a significant milestone in the field of eye care after becoming the first individual in the CNMI to pass the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant board examination.

After months of endless studying, and taking taxing practice exams, the efforts of this Marianas Eye Institute employee paid off after she learned that she had passed the rigorous exam.

MEI’s chief executive officer Russ Quinn said Taitano’s achievement is noteworthy.

“A technician must work a year with an ophthalmologist before applying for certification by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology,” said Quinn.

The written test includes a variety of subjects, ranging from eye anatomy, medications, general medical knowledge, and optical, to contact lenses, ophthalmic equipment, and the many skills needed to provide outstanding eye care.

“Candidates interested in achieving this prestigious level in eye care must fly to Guam to take a computerized examination. The grueling 217-question exam tests an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the eye care field,” Quinn said.

Taitano has worked with MEI for the past eight years.

“It has been a goal of mine to further my education in the field I love!” she said. “I am inspired to achieve the next level of certification, COT or Certified Ophthalmic Technician. This will continue to challenge me and help me grow and help me provide even better care to our patients.”

Quinn said the significance of Taitano’s achievement adds to the credibility of the eye clinic in line with its mission: “Excellence with Love.”

“First of all we are all very proud of Emilly’s accomplishment; she has been working toward this goal for some time. This certification is no small feat. We spend many hours training our technicians to provide the best eye care service in the CNMI. Now we have a nationally accredited technician,” said Quinn.

“Emilly is the first of our five talented technicians to receive her national credential as Certified Ophthalmic Assistant,” said Dr. David Khorram, a medical director and the CNMI’s only ophthalmologist.

“We pride ourselves in providing care that exceeds national standards and benchmarks. Having a technician on our staff that is nationally certified is in keeping with the highest quality of care upon which we have built our reputation,” he added.