Over the past few months, many Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine ophthalmic clinical support staff members have been promoted. All are excited about the new roles and have plans to take ophthalmic technicians to the next level. When you see them around, welcome them to Wilmer!
Nidia Adames, B.A., C.O.A., Ophthalmic Technician Training Program Manager
For the better part of 15 years, Nidia Adames has been a staple of the Wilmer Eye Institute. In October 2009, she began working under the tutelage of Mike Hartnett as a technician in the float pool. She left for a few years, returning in 2016 as an ophthalmic tech in Wilmer’s Columbia office. In 2021, Adames joined the Patient Access Center for the Eye (PACE), and a few months later, became the ophthalmic clinical supervisor there.
In April 2023, Adames was promoted to manager of the ophthalmic technician training program, a role previously filled by Hartnett. In this capacity, she manages the float pool and fills requests for float technicians, and supports ophthalmic clinical supervisors and managers through the planning and execution of the annual technician skills evaluation, among other responsibilities. She plans to support the team by engaging in active listening, setting clear expectations and understanding what motivates each individual.
“Technician support creates an environment of teamwork, whereby everyone plays an important role in patient care,” says Adames. “Technicians allow the ophthalmologist and optometrist to spend more quality time with the patients.”
Adames is looking forward to planning the 25th Annual Wilmer Technician Course, which will take place Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
What is your favorite thing to do during the summer? Spending time with family doing outdoor activities and taking walks in the park.
Ice cream or Italian ice? Ice cream.
Do you have a secret talent or interesting hobby? I work with a small group of individuals directing plays for special events.
If you weren’t working in ophthalmology, in which profession would you be? I would be in health promotion. I have been a volunteer partner with Howard County General Hospital’s Journey to Better Health program for the past six years.
What are three things you can’t live without? Books, chocolates and summer.
Stephanie “Steph” Graves, Certified Paraoptometric (C.P.O.), C.O.A., Ophthalmic Clinical Supervisor - PACE
Steph Graves joined the Wilmer family nearly two years ago as an ophthalmic technician assistant in the PACE clinic. At that time, Graves had about a decade of experience in eye care, having worked at a local optometry practice, where she started as a patient coordinator and was subsequently promoted to administrative assistant. Later at the optometry practice, she took a more hands-on approach to patient care by becoming an optometric technician, then lead tech and, ultimately, an optician. In 2015, Graves earned a paraoptometric certification. In 2022, while at Wilmer, she earned an ophthalmic assistant certification, and in May 2023, she was promoted to ophthalmic clinical supervisor.
Graves says the most important aspects of being an ophthalmic clinical supervisor are fostering positive relationships between herself and the staff, serving as a primary resource for daily problem solving, and training and mentoring ophthalmic technicians. Her leadership style, she says, aims to promote communication, respect and teamwork among the staff. Graves plans to support the team by having an open-door policy, whereby technicians can come to her with any concerns, frustrations or questions, and by providing assistance where needed.
“Technician support is important to the doctors because they [techs] can be an advocate for the patients,” says Graves. “Information that technicians acquire during screening can enhance the patient’s treatment plan, including immediate diagnostic testing, which aides in the doctor’s diagnosis.”
Graves is most excited about working on the administrative side of the role.
What is your favorite thing to do during the summer? Going on cruises with my husband and having picnics with family.
Ice cream or Italian ice? Italian ice.
Do you have a secret talent or interesting hobby? I love to go horseback riding.
If you weren’t in ophthalmology, in which profession would you be? Something with animals.
What are three things you can’t live without? Faith, family and my pets.
Leslie Sosa, A.S., C.O.A., Ophthalmic Clinical Supervisor - Bethesda
Leslie Sosa has always had an interest in the medical field. She began her career in ophthalmology in 2016, starting out as an ophthalmic scribe. In 2018, she joined the Wilmer-Bethesda family as a full-time ophthalmic technician. Earlier this month, she advanced to the role of ophthalmic clinical supervisor at the Bethesda clinic.
As ophthalmic clinic supervisor, Sosa’s duties include facilitating skills training for technicians knowing each technician’s strengths, finding opportunities for improvement and understanding the respective flows of the multispecialty clinic. Her approach to leading the team emphasizes constant communication, effective teamwork, and providing organization and structure to the team. She plans to support the team by assisting in clinic, strategically scheduling to enhance workflow, ensuring each team member’s voice is understood and valued, and supporting continuing education to provide the best care possible.
“Tech support is the foundation of patient care,” she says. “We take a large weight off the physician's shoulders by having work-ups and required testing completed for each patient prior to seeing the physician.”
Sosa is most excited about building a strong tech team, fortifying her leadership skills and learning from peers and physicians. She is also looking forward to completing her bachelor’s degree in public health this fall.
What is your favorite thing to do during the summer? Hiking and going to the beach.
Ice cream or Italian ice? Ice cream 100%.
Do you have a secret talent or interesting hobby? Hiking on new trails.
If you weren’t in ophthalmology, in which profession would you be? Definitely in the medical field, more specifically pediatric health care.
What are three things you can’t live without? Family, food and my two boys.