James Collins

Generalized Work Experience by Practice

Ophthalmic General Practice -

Description:

Preparing for ARMD Injections (i.e. Avastin, Eyelea, Lucentis, Kenalog, Dexamethasone, Triamcinolone, ect), General Pre /Post Sx work ups, Manifest Refractions, IOL and Topographies, Pre and Post ophthalmic care of Cataract Sx, LASIK Sx, Blepharoplasty as well as Ophthalmic Research (retinal oxygen supply models). Refractions, Applanations (Goldman), Prism Dx and assist with other minor office procedures. Experience with Difficult Patients ie: Intellectually Challenged / Homeless / Handicapped / Trauma induced. Experienced with EHR / HIPPA / OSHA / Contact lens and PC IOL assessments. 

I am able to do AG, ICG for Choroid Plexus, OCT, OCTA, Color Fundus Photography, Fundus auto fluorescein testing on most cameras. ERG Electroretinogram, Bleph and levitator external photos pre and post-surgery. A and B scans as well as immersion for dense cataract IOL measurements (Posterior and anterior A/B-scans), PDT, and HVF testing. Able to administer DNA testing per swab. Also was involved in both Retinal tumor and uveitis clinics (2nd Tuesdays of Month - [Tumors]) and (4th Wednesdays [Uveitis] of every month 2018 - 2019 [Topical Medications]). University of Colorado Denver Senior Research Project using Eyelink 1000 desktop eye tracker for Schizophrenia models.

Takes peripheral OCT’s (Optivue, Cirrus and Heidelberg) on specific areas of the retina.

Other Cameras such as Topcon, Zeiss, Optos, and Heidelberg cSLO and anterior Corneal Photography as well as choosing the correct camera situation per physician diagnosis. 

I have the fundamental knowledge of basic retinal diseases such as DM, birdshot, holes, tears and intra / inter and sub-retinal edemas, caused by medication changes, surgery or blunt force trauma. I have also reloaded software into camaras and IOL measuring devices and am familiar with formatting networking equipment to update and regulate DICOM devices and network with ERM / EHR systems - Epic, Medflow, Next Tech and Eyefinity. I am a person with patients and am able to teach other technicians how to use the equipment in a sunder manner, without making them feel uneasy and encourages confidence in the practice. 

Case Western Research - 

Retinal Research of AMD - Carries out studies on retina using animal models, prepares OCT / FA photos, data collection and conducts molecular laboratory techniques that support retinal research, dissections, tissue processing, histology, genotyping, and helping with the care of animals, make stock solutions and reagents, collect, and analyze photographs and data, and follows compliance with animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures.  

Professional Experience:

University Hospitals                  Ophthalmic Photographer                     March 2023

Description:                                              Retina CFP, OCT, Angiograms, HVF Testing, Lenstar and IOL Master measurements, A/B-Scans, IT Support, Intraocular Injection set ups, Research Photo (DARC,)

Case Western Reserve University                      Research Technician (RA3)     (RA III)                                                                                                                                   2022 – 2023

Description:                                              Retinal Research AMD Carries out studies on retina using animal models, prepares OCT / FA photos, data collection and conducts laboratory techniques that support retinal research.

Retina Specialists of Ohio (RSO)                       Retinal Ophthalmic Technician                                                                                                                            2022 – 2022

Description:                                                           General Pre /Post Sx work ups, Manifest Refractions, IOL and Topographies, VA’s, Applanations, OCT, FA, Injections and Fundus Photography

Robert M. Stern, M.D. Inc                                 Ophthalmic Technician                                                                                                                                         2021 – 2022

Description:                                                            General Pre /Post Sx work ups, Manifest Refractions, IOL and Topographies, VA’s, Applanations, OCT and Fundus Photography

Lakewood Eye Center-                                      Ophthalmic Technician / Scribe                                                                                                                           2019 – 2021

Description:                                                                      General Pre /Post Sx work ups, Manifest Refractions, IOL and Topographies,

                                                                                                         VA’s, Applanations, OCT and Fundus Photography, Sx Assistant

Lockheed Martin Space Systems                       Spacecraft Design and Manufacturing                                                                                                                                         2019 – 2020

                                                                          Orion Space Module and other classified projects

University of Colorado Denver-                        Laboratory for Integrative Vision (Student Researcher)                                                                                              2018 – 2020

Description:                                                         Designing Higher Order Laboratory Experiments / Eye Tracking Studies         Student Based                        

Rocky Mountain Orthodontics-             Engineer of Molding Technologies / Biotechnology Engineering                                                                                               2015 – 2018

Description:                                                                      Engineering of Molding Components / Biotechnology Engineering of Medical Devices 

for Oral Surgeries and Orthodontics mfg.

Advanced Forming Technologies-          Engineer of Molds, Machine and Fixture Design                                                                                                                                             2011 – 2015

Description:                                            Engineering of Molds for Metal Investment Castings of Aerospace, Automotive, Medical and Military appliances including Physical Chemistry, 3-D Metal / Plastic Printing

Honors:

Dean’s List, University of Colorado Denver                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2010 – 2012

Phi Beta Kappa                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 2006 – 2018

Volunteer Experience:

University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO                                                                                                                                                                                                  2008 – 2011

               PLCO Cancer Study

Academia:

Current: Case Western Reserve University Graduate Student MS Biochemistry 2022.

University of Colorado Denver

Biology / Physics (2012)

Degree 1:

Required Courses in Biology plus many additional Physics courses for the merging relationship between my engineering experience with the new thresholds of Biological Sciences.

University of Colorado Denver

Psychology (Neurology; Ophthalmology Concentration) / Chemistry (2018)

Degree 2:

Required Courses in Psychology with a concentration on Neuroscience coupled with many additional Chemistry courses to achieve a minor in Chemistry.

University of Denver

Pre-Law

Part Time Private College for business Principles and Interests in International Business Law and Patents.