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Retina Labs’ mission founded on increasing access to convenient preventive care starts with our team of dedicated professionals who meet health plan members within the comfort of their own homes. These interactions with members rely on our retinal imaging technologists’ clinical skills, empathy ,and integrity through every personal connection they make during each in-home visit. One of those exceptional team members is Katrina Dashiell, whose passion for helping people and commitment to providing accessible preventive care is on full display every time she visits a member’s home.
Passion Shaped by Experience: Katrina’s Journey into Healthcare
Prior to joining Retina Labs, Katrina developed her healthcare career with a unique and diverse skillset as an Emergency Medical Technician. After extensive exposure to this critical field of healthcare, her passion for combining systems, people, and process knowledge led to her earning a certification in hyperbaric oxygen therapy in South Carolina. From there, Katrina went on to serve as a specialist with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, using those experiences and skillsets to continue providing compassionate care.
Katrina discovered Retina Labs while researching innovative healthcare organizations that take a technology-driven approach to growth, which lead to insightful conversations with company leadership upon submitting her application. From those initial discussions to her role today, Katrina realized the genuine investments the company continues to make for both employees and the members she serves. Recalling her very first day, she remembers being thankful for the opportunity to join a team where her voice mattered and feeling that she truly belonged.
Purpose-Driven Member-Centric Care
For Katrina, the motivation to serve others comes from her belief in the need to improve access and convenience around in-home care delivery. Every day, she meets with members whose lives and personal healthcare journeys broaden her perspective. Having the opportunity to travel into different neighborhoods and experience Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) factors firsthand helps her grow both personally and professionally. “This field of work helps meet the needs of so many individuals living in rural and underserved communities, giving me that direct line of a sight into those elements that can negatively affect long-term health outcomes,” she says.
An Insider’s Perspective on In-Home Preventive Care Delivery
A typical workday for Katrina blends her clinical expertise with meaningful interpersonal connections. She begins each morning by reviewing her schedule for the day and organizing equipment before heading out into the community to complete these crucial in-home preventive screenings. Her day often includes completing diabetic eye exams and bone density scans as well as providing instruction and support for collecting at-home lab test kit samples. Each in-home visit requires verifying that member’s primary care provider information while educating them on the purpose and value of those screenings. Every interaction concludes with a thank-you card and sharing available resources to contact Retina Labs’ outreach team, ensuring all members are fully supported every step of the way.
Katrina’s daily responsibilities extend well beyond performing in-home screenings and collecting at-home lab test kit samples. She manages the care, cleanliness, and functionality of the various screening equipment, all while providing accurate documentation for the applicable screenings completed during each appointment. Her commitment to delivering high-quality care with precision helps reinforce Retina Labs’ goal of providing each member with a seamless and supportive in-home experience. Katrina’s work directly impacts health outcomes by helping at-risk individuals detect early signs of vision loss and increasing awareness around diabetes-related health concerns. This comprehensive approach to preventive care delivery and member education builds the foundation necessary to promote proactive health management and early intervention.
Closing Critical Gaps in Care to Improve Health Outcomes
The care Katrina administers continues to be life-changing for many of the members she connects with each day. Some Individuals have gone years without completing these preventive screenings and are now receiving essential care to help prevent downstream health complications. With diabetic members becoming more aware of their A1C levels as well as other coinciding risk factors, these concerns are now being tackled head-on when they may have otherwise gone unnoticed. “Providing this level of care closes gaps on multiple levels, ultimately enabling access for those who may have transportation or mobility limitations that prevent them from being addressed in a timely manner,” Katrina explains.
Memorable Interactions with Members that Inspire Her Work
One particular in-home member visit has left a lasting impact on Katrina, where she met with a woman experiencing significant vision loss who had no support systems to lean on during this time. Understanding the need and urgency to step in, Katrina completed her diabetic eye exam and subsequently helped arrange a medical ride service while guiding her safely through her house. The woman’s relief and gratitude moved Katrina deeply. “It became clear to me in that moment that Retina Labs is trusted to deliver care for the most vulnerable individuals often living in rural and underserved communities,” she reflects.
Overcoming Challenges & Breaking Down Access to Care Barriers
Many members face common access to care barriers including busy schedules, limited mobility, or lack of transportation, but Katrina consistently finds new ways to adapt and accommodate their needs. In-home visits break down these barriers to help individuals with limitations receive timely preventive care that typically falls by the wayside each year. Her flexibility and empathy empower more members to remain engaged along each step throughout their personal care continuum.
Strengthening Trust with Health Plans & Their Members
Katrina sees firsthand how her work as a retinal imaging technologist helps strengthen the relationships between Retina Labs and our health plan client partners. On one occasion, Katrina recalls reconnecting with a member that had received in-home care from her previously who was appreciative of her visit once more. This acknowledgement of past positive experiences our health plan clients’ members have with Retina Labs reaffirms the trust and care delivery quality Katrina prides herself on.
How Company Culture Shapes Care Delivery Standards
Katrina describes the Retina Labs company culture as one that is developed through sincerity, kindness, and collaboration. The level of support, appreciation, and encouragement to continue growing her skillsets through guidance from leadership validates the importance of her role as part of a cohesive team. “Every day, I’m reminded that my work ultimately contributes to something greater,” she shares. “The purpose and passion behind the work I do is bigger than me, with Retina Labs making sure I’m always in a position to succeed.”
Training & Support + Words of Wisdom for Future Techs
Retina Labs’ in-depth training processes provide Katrina with the resources, field knowledge, and ongoing coordinated support from our outreach team to deliver the highest standard of care possible. The leadership team’s investment in her career path growth by helping her set goals while sharing feedback regularly gives her the motivation to continue refining her skillsets.
For those considering a similar career path, Katrina offers heartfelt encouragement and insight. “Every day brings something new, so you learn to expect the unexpected while leading with kindness. Our work as retinal imaging technologists is more than just another job; it’s a journey experienced through moments that matter. Members rely on your insight and empathy, which is something I always keep in mind when looking back on the interactions that have positively impacted someone’s life.”
Katrina’s personal philosophy aligns perfectly with Retina Labs’ mission: “The value of delivering quality preventive care is truly immeasurable. I’m always honored and grateful for the trust that members place in me and treat every day as a privilege for being able to do so. Serving those in need from all backgrounds and walks of life has not only shaped who I am today but also builds upon the reputation of Retina Labs as an organization.”
Join Retina Labs to Make Preventive Care More Accessible& Convenient
We are proud to spotlight Katrina for the professionalism, compassion, and dedication she brings to the table of every member’s home she visits. The profound impact her role continues to have on those members’ lives and our health plan client partners helps ensure that Retina Labs mission is realized – one in-home visit at a time.
Want to learn more about how our team supports health plans and their members? Visit our Careers page below and our member-specific site for more information:
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