University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
College of Health Related Professions

Seeing is Believing
Joy Banks Excels as an Allied Health Professional

Ophthalmic medical technologists play an important role, helping patients and physicians. Joy Banks had her sights set on a career in health care. “I always knew I was a nurturer,” said Banks, who works as an ophthalmic medical technologist in the UAMS Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute. She found her calling while checking out the UAMS ophthalmic medical technology program. Both her grandparents have glaucoma — an eye disease that can lead to vision loss or even blindness — so the ability to help patients with eye care appealed to her.

“Through my grandparents, I learned about glaucoma and helped them better understand their condition over the years and stress the importance of taking their medications,” Banks said.

Ophthalmic medical technologists (OMT) are allied health professionals, improving patient care by assisting the patient and physician. Technologists take patient histories, conduct various vision tests and assist in ophthalmic surgery.

“OMTs like Joy play an important role in patient care,” said Dr. Inci Dersu, a glaucoma specialist. “Their work gives the physician more time to explain a diagnosis and discuss treatment with the patient.”

The job requires technical knowledge as well as the ability to work with patients to get the information a physician needs. The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology, which oversees the profession, offers skill tests to certify technologists. The highest certification level is the certified ophthalmic medical technologist (COMT).

In 2007, Banks passed the certified ophthalmic medical technologist practical exam. She entered an elite group, as only about five percent of the nation's certified ophthalmic medical personnel have passed the COMT exam, a combination of written and skills assessment. Only about 685 (4.32 percent) of the 15,859 certified personnel are COMTs.

“Passing the exam demonstrates the level of care she can provide, showing she has placed an extra emphasis on improving her skills to the highest degree possible,” said Suzanne Hansen, interim chairman of the UAMS OMT program.

As for her job, Banks said she enjoys meeting and visiting with patients.

“Even though we only work on the eyes, every day is different since different patients have different problems,” Banks said. “I enjoy figuring out which tests will give the doctor the best information.”

Echoing the experience with her grandparents, Banks' life came full circle as she works as the lead technologist for Dersu.

“Joy is very thorough and organized, and patients like her,” Dersu said.

Banks also is a clinical coordinator and lecturer for the UAMS ophthalmic medical technology students and is working toward a master's degree in adult education. “She's a great role model for students in the OMT program,” Hansen said.

This article first appeared in the HouseCall magazine of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

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