Preceptor Spotlight: Northwest TN Eye Clinic, Martin, Tennessee
Frances D. Bynum, OD '96, FAAO:
"This site is located in a rural town. The site offers an opportunity to see a solo practitioner that enjoys taking care of people from 0-99.
I have been in practice for 25 years. The clinical experience here will include but not be limited to: fitting of soft, toric, multi-focal and scleral lens; management of cataract pre- and post operative care; glaucoma and MIGS management, diabetic and macular degeneration care, application of amniotic membranes, injections for removal of neoplasms, and managing other ocular diseases. Learning how to implement and use technology: OCT, Optos, visual field, tear lab, low light therapy, Adaptdx, topography, IOL Master, automated refractive systems, etc.
The practice management experience includes understanding billing and coding, understanding the vision plans, Medicare, Medicaid plans, designing an office, buying equipment for your practice, developing a budget for a practice, accounting practices, learning to manage and develop a staff. Develop practice (and personal) goals and strategies for lifelong learning.
Each extern has an opportunity to attend local meetings and be involved in the community while here in Martin. The student will attend a Vision Source local meeting where they have an opportunity to meet other local optometrists and discuss optometry office challenges and solutions. Also, the student will participate in staff meetings and learn to develop a presentation for doctors and staff."
Why did you decide to become an externship preceptor?
"After much "arm-twisting" from Dr. Al Spivey, I joined SCO's extern program about 5 years ago. I have a passion for optometry and enjoy teaching. I have a motto "learn something new every day". Hopefully students (myself included) are challenged daily in patient care and practice management.
It is rewarding to see students grow, not only professionally but personally. It is a pleasure seeing others succeed!
I would challenge other optometrists to open their practices to externs. Each of us have a responsibility to give back to the profession that has made us successful. Hopefully, I will leave the profession better than I found it!
“Work hard, Play hard, Pray hard!”"