SILOAM SPRINGS -- Candace Wiebe and Jeremy DeLeon, of Legacy Eye Center, both recently achieved their certified ophthalmic assistant certification. Wiebe and DeLeon work alongside ophthalmologist, Dr. John A. Billingsley III, at the clinic in Siloam Springs.
The new designation means Wiebe and DeLeon can provide professional medical and administrative help for ophthalmologists/optometrists in a clinical setting. According to Wiebe, patients can be more confident they are getting a quality medical exam when they visit the clinic.
"It means everything to the patient to be able to ask me a question and I can, in turn, answer the question to the best of my knowledge and I understand exactly what they want to know," DeLeon said.
Earning the certification helped Wiebe "know and understand more about what test or task to perform according to each patient's specific needs."
Both DeLeon and Wiebe wanted to further their education, job knowledge and, after achieving this certification, move to the next level of certification.
Wiebe said her interest in ophthalmology started when she began working in an optometry office.
"I worked there for six-and-a-half years and worked in several roles there," Wiebe said. "The technician position was my favorite. When I learned of a technician position opening up at Legacy Eye Center with Dr. Billingsley, I applied. Serving our patients with quality care and putting a smile on their faces when they're here is the best part of my job."
So, what interested DeLeon in the ophthalmology field?
"Medicine, surgery -- the visual system opens a variety of learning within the field," he said. "So many diseases manifest first within the eye. There are hundreds of challenges. Ocular health is so important. When something goes wrong, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. I also enjoy the ability to make a difference in someone's life. As new patients become established patients, they grow into family over time."
When not assisting patients at Legacy Eye Center, Wiebe said she enjoys the great outdoors such as long walks, hiking or any outside activity with her family and friends.
"I have a wonderful husband and five sweet growing boys," she said. "I'm blessed beyond words."
DeLeon and his wife of 20 years, Ilda, are enjoying being parents to their 6-month-old daughter, Izabella.
"She is our pride and joy," he said. "My wife and I also enjoy history and traveling to historic sites all across the United States. I grew up in west Texas so, naturally, I love BBQ brisket weekends."
Legacy Eye Center offers comprehensive eye exams and in-office procedures for treatment of macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and cosmetic features for the aging face. John A. Billingsley III, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist and member of the Siloam Springs Regional Hospital Medical Staff. He performs cataract and glaucoma surgery in addition to oculoplastic procedures and emergency surgeries at the SSRH outpatient eye surgery suite. To schedule an appointment, call 479-524-6115.
Community on 02/21/2018