Enthusiasm & Natural Curiosity: Meet Courtney
Posted June 14, 2017
You may have heard the saying, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” This saying holds true for Courtney Williams, who has been a part of the Invision team for seven years as a Certified Paraoptometric Assistant. Each day, Courtney serves our doctors and patients with her expertise, natural curiosity, and love for optometry.
An outstretched hand and a confident introduction was all it took for Courtney to land a position at Invision. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise she wasn’t sure what was next. That’s when a friend called and asked Courtney if she had any interest in optometry. “I ran down to Invision that same day, walked right up to Dr. Scott Mann and confidently announced, ‘Hello! I’m Courtney and I hear you have an opening for an assistant,’” she said. Since then, Invision has allowed Courtney to grow as a person, and has given her the opportunity to broaden her knowledge in the field.
Courtney always knew she wanted to work hands-on in the healthcare industry, and her position at Invision allows her to do just that. “Each day I assist the doctors with our patients! I document initial patient history and perform testing procedures,” Courtney enthusiastically shared. “With the information collected, the doctors interpret the results, providing the patient with a full report of their overall ocular health.” In addition, Courtney is certified to assist the doctors in contact lens fittings. She described her role as helping patients with the first few “training wheel” days.
Another aspect of Courtney’s passion for optometry and excellence in patient-care is the team she works alongside. “We have a cheerful environment, encouraging employers, and an empathetic staff,” During weekly staff meetings, the team takes time to read patient reviews aloud. “When you receive confidence and trust from your employer, compliments from your patients, and positivity amongst your coworkers it makes for an extraordinary work day,” Courtney said.
While pristine patient care is an important part of the Invision brand, Courtney explained how Invision’s office has a boutique feel, different from your typical medical building. From local art displays to custom-made iron sculptures outside, Invision provides one of the most unique patient experiences in the New River Valley. Even the frame selection is unique to the region, and is hand-selected by the Invision optometrists – and it doesn’t stop there.
Within the last year, Invision has acquired new instruments that provide high-resolution imaging of the retina, something Courtney is particularly excited about. Dr. Scott Mann shared, “As one of our chair-side assistants Courtney is an extension of the doctors in our patient care. She has mastered the specialized testing with our new instruments. She helps explain treatment plans to our patients in a friendly and professional manner.”
“I’m like a kid in a candy store! I learn something new each day, which in turn sparks new questions,“ Courtney explained. “There is so much more I want to know about. This has encouraged me to apply to optometry school in the next year. I am constantly amazed with all our doctors do and aspire to eventually collaborate as a colleague,” she shared.
However, her position doesn’t come without challenges. “A few years ago we had a young patient with a congenital vision disorder that had regressed to a point in which standard screenings would not allow him to meet driving requirements. This had the potential to be life altering,” Courtney said. The Invision team, alongside Dr. Mann, took action and after numerous fittings, adjustments, visits, and with the help of a custom vision aid he now fully meets all driving vision requirements. “[The doctors] do everything in their power to provide for their patients. That’s why I love my job,” she said. “They advocate solely for their patients.”
When Courtney isn’t serving patients, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and golden retriever, Kobb (who she shared is very spoiled). You may catch her at Cabo Fish Taco in Blacksburg, her favorite restaurant that she admittedly visits a little too often. In addition, Courtney volunteers with the Blacksburg Junior Women’s Club and serves as the treasurer and event committee chair.
Courtney, based in our Christiansburg office, is a fantastic addition to the Invision team. We are very thankful to have her as a colleague and friend. Her passion for optometry and zest for life exemplifies the Invision brand and provides our patients with the very best in care.