Clinic manager of Wilmer at Green Spring Station, Davette Gray

Two years ago, the Wilmer Eye Institute at Green Spring Station embarked on a major expansion project to meet the growing needs of patients in and around the Lutherville, Maryland area. While the pandemic has slowed progress, construction is ongoing and Phase I of the project is now complete. We spoke with clinic manager Davette Gray about how the work is going, what the new space will be like, and how the staff is coping during these challenging times.

What changes can we expect as a result of the expansion project?

We’ve added a little over 9,000 square feet, so we’re now at almost 20,000 square feet. Currently we have 21 exam rooms, and the new space will have 16 rooms, so we’ll have a total of 37 exam rooms, which is amazing. The exam rooms are designed to accommodate patients with wheelchairs or scooters. I think everyone is excited about expanding our capacity to serve patients.

We have 21 support staff members and 31 doctors who see about 200 patients a day. The additional space will allow us to minimize appointment wait times, bring in more providers and subspecialists, see more patients for evaluations and perform more procedures such as LASIK and PRK.

It’s going to be a very modern, beautiful space for our patients, and I think that’s important. We know our doctors are the best, and now we’ll have the most modern, up-to-date facilities to match.

What are some of the modifications you’ve made to address the changes wrought by COVID-19?

Like all of Wilmer’s clinics, we’ve implemented science-based policies for mask-wearing, disinfection and physical distancing, from patients and staff to the doctors. It’s important that we stay vigilant about patient and staff education so that we can keep everyone safe.

What are you finding helpful for keeping spirits up during this time?

I came here from Johns Hopkins Health System, where I was the call center manager. I had a team of about 75 operators on the phones, and I found that it was important to find ways to incentivize and motivate the team throughout the day. I think that’s valuable today more than ever. Here at Green Spring, if it’s a staff member’s birthday, they get to wear a special necklace and a hat or tiara. If it’s your day, you get a cake of your choice.

Medical office coordinator Cailyn Sonneborn and Dr. Laura DiMeglio celebrate Ugly Sweater Day at Green Spring Station

We celebrate everything from Chocolate Day and Cupcake Day to — in December — Ugly Sweater Day, and we give out prizes. Halloween is huge here, too. We’re known for it; patients and providers come in just to see our costumes. We also have the Bernie Edelman Award. Bernie worked here for almost 10 years before passing away suddenly. In his honor, we present the award to someone each year who has demonstrated the characteristics Bernie displayed. He was so helpful and kind, so generous with his time, just an overall wonderful man.

There really is a family environment here. I know people say that, but it’s true at Green Spring Station. We care about one another, and that trickles down to the way we treat our patients, so everyone benefits.