Annquinetta F. Miller, RN, CRNO: A Lifetime of Dedication to Ophthalmic Nursing and Patient Care

Celebrating Over Four Decades of Excellence in Ophthalmology and Commitment to Education and Safety

Ophthalmic Journey

Birmingham, Alabama – Annquinetta F. Miller, RN, CRNO, a distinguished Ophthalmic Nurse Consultant with more than 40 years of experience in various ophthalmic settings, continues to make a significant impact in the field of ophthalmology. Recognized for her unwavering dedication to patient care and education, Annquinetta has become a pivotal figure in enhancing surgical efficiency and safety within the healthcare industry.

Annquinetta’s journey in ophthalmology began with her initial exposure to eye care in the operating room, where she learned the fundamental nuances that formed her ophthalmic foundation of this critical specialty. Over the years, she expanded her expertise to include intricate details of eye surgery, diseases, and treatments. Starting primarily in surgery, she cross-trained in various areas, including the operating room, office, clinic, pre-and post-operative care, education, and leadership.

Her practical experience has led to consulting with local hospitals to address challenges related to surgical efficiency and safety. Annquinetta’s recommendations have been instrumental in eliminating practices that could lead to potential complications such as Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) or Endophthalmitis. Notably, she played a key role in designing and establishing Alabama’s first “in-office cataract operating room suite,” which exemplifies her innovative approach to ophthalmic care.

As an expert in her field, Annquinetta possesses a remarkable ability to navigate through busy surgery schedules and identify areas for improvement. Her resourcefulness, coupled with her awareness of budgetary constraints and time management issues, allows her to turn a chaotic day into a pleasant and productive one. Her vast knowledge in ophthalmology affords her the ability to create procedure-specific instrument trays, adhere to regulatory practice protocols, and implement policies that prevent wrong-site surgeries and safety measures to prevent the implantation of the incorrect intraocular lens. 

Educational Background

Annquinetta’s educational background underpins her extensive knowledge and expertise. She earned her Advanced Academic Degree from Springdale High School in 1971, completed her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification in 1973 from the Birmingham School of Practical Nursing, and obtained an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree from Samford University in 1978. Her pursuit of excellence continued with academic studies toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 1996.

Throughout her career, Annquinetta has been an active member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses (ASORN), where she acquired invaluable knowledge and established a network of connections with ophthalmic nurses globally. Her leadership roles included serving as President of ASORN and President of the National Certifying Board of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses (NCBORN), overseers of ASORN’s certification process. She also held other positions in ASORN such as Administrative Board Member, Chairlady of the Nominating Committee, and the Liaison to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

 

ORT

At Ophthalmic Resources & Training (ORT), LLC, Annquinetta provides mentorship to aspiring ophthalmic nursing professionals, enriching their skills and enhancing their job performance. Her commitment to education ensures that her mentees receive knowledge that is not only beneficial but also critical to the safety and well-being of patients. Annquinetta emphasizes that learning under her guidance is a rewarding journey, filled with practical insights and career-enhancing skills.

Annquinetta collaborates closely with her clients to identify specific needs and devise actionable plans to address them effectively. She conducts mock surveys to evaluate compliance with regulations mandated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Joint Commission (JC), the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), and others. Her consultations are characterized by professionalism, ethics, and accuracy, underpinned by her belief in integrity and accountability.

 

Presentations, Articles, and Publications

A passionate educator, Annquinetta has shared her extensive knowledge through numerous presentations at prestigious conferences, including the annual gatherings of ASORN and the International Joint Commission of Allied Health Professionals in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO). She has also delivered in-services at notable institutions such as Brookwood Hospital ASC, the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital, and the Outpatient Care Center. Her community involvement extends to health fairs and church-based events, where she discusses important health topics, including glaucoma and stress management.

In addition to her professional achievements, Annquinetta is a devoted teacher in her personal life, leading classes on marriage and finance with her husband. She has authored several articles for ASORN’s INSIGHT Journal and other publications, winning prestigious awards for her contributions to ophthalmology literature. As the Editor-in-Chief of the nationally and internationally recognized ophthalmic nursing manual, “Ophthalmic Procedures in the Operating Room and Ambulatory Care Center, 3rd, 4th & 5th Editions” Annquinetta has solidified her role as a thought-provoking leader in the field.

 

Downtime 

Annquinetta attributes her success to her passion for lifelong learning and her unwavering commitment to helping others. She embraces challenges as opportunities for growth, guided by her faith and a mantra that “adversity builds character”. Her dedication ensures that every patient receives the highest quality of ophthalmic care, reflecting her belief that her journey in ophthalmology has been divinely inspired.

In her personal time, Annquinetta enjoys fun time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and her husband randomly plan two international trips annually. During her quiet time, she creates beautiful flower arrangements and captures inspiring moments through photography, blending her love for family, nature, and art. 

With a heart for service and a commitment to excellence, Annquinetta F. Miller continues to inspire and uplift those around her, paving the way for future generations in ophthalmic nursing.

Learn More about Annquinetta F. Miller:

Through her online profile, https://todaysnurse.org/nurse/4150271 or through Ophthalmic Resources & Training ORT, LLC, https://www.ophthalmicresourcetrainingort.com/ or

Annquinetta F. Miller RN, CRNO, annquinetta@ophthalmicresourcetrainingort.com