Lessons in staff retention from a 50-year-practicing paraoptometric

When she first walked into the Virginia practice of A. Gregory Toler Jr., O.D., optometric assistant Terrie Call was just 22 and simply looking for a job—not a career in optometry. 

The years, 50 of them to be exact, have flown by since. How unusual is her longevity? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2022 that the typical worker has been with their current employer a little over four years.“I wasn’t really thinking that far ahead at the time; the job opportunity just came up,” says Call, whose long tenure was appreciated by Alan Toler & Associates in May at a celebration attended by her colleagues, patients and family. “I suppose I have stayed so long because I like what I do. 

“I like working with the patients,” she adds. “I just like helping people. I like working with the doctor and the staff.” 

Call was also honored by the AOA in June, receiving a 2024 President’s Award. Says AOA President Steven T. Reed, O.D., in a letter to Call: 

“Each year, the AOA President’s Award recognizes doctors and partners who stand out for their exceptional contributions, unwavering dedication and outstanding achievements for the profession. Thank you for going above and beyond to bring the profession together and make sure we are all advancing optometry.” 

⏩September is Paraoptometric Appreciation Month. Read more about the recognition, how to become an AOA associate member and get access to members-only paraoptometric resources. 

At her practice, you might say Call has been a Jane-of-all-trades. She noted a few jobs she has done: working at the front desk, helping patients select their glasses frames, dispensing, assisting patients with insurance claims and scheduling appointments. 

When a colleague goes on vacation or falls ill, she might step in and cover for them. When needed, she takes photos of patients’ eyes and performs visual field tests. She serves as a resource to her colleagues. 

Call likes the variety the job provides. 

“I can jump in where needed and keep us moving,” says Call who has been honored in the past as Virginia Optometric Assistant of the Year in 1989 and Para-optometric of the South in 1999. 

The opportunity to grow in the practice has also kept her there. 

“Dr. Greg Toler, the father, taught me everything pretty much,” she says.  

How has she kept it fresh year after year? 

“I was always learning something new,” says Call, citing the knowledge passed on from the Drs. Toler and what she picked up from studying for her CPOA certification. 

The more knowledge she gained, Call adds, her confidence grew too. 

She doesn’t mention a retirement date. So dedicated is she that when she once broke an ankle, she worked from a recliner in the practice in order to keep her leg elevated and the practice flowing smoothly. 

“I still love getting up and coming to work,” Call says. 

Access paraoptometric resources 

• Enroll paraoptometric staff as AOA associate members to gain access to training and skill-building resources, as well as other benefits. 
• Check out 3 ways to honor staff for Paraoptometric Appreciation Month