Posted by: EyeSouth Partners in News
ATLANTA – Feb. 26, 2026 – Shelley Averette, COT, COE, practice administrator at EyeSouth Partners affiliate Raleigh Ophthalmology, has been elected to the National Board for the Certification of Ophthalmic Executives (NBCOE) as a member-at-large for the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA). Her two-year term begins April 10, 2026.
The NBCOE oversees the Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE) credential, a national certification that recognizes expertise in ophthalmic practice management and a commitment to continued professional development across the industry.
Averette brings more than 30 years of experience in ophthalmology to the role. She began her career in 1995 as a technician and has served in multiple clinical and administrative leadership positions throughout this time. Averette joined Raleigh Ophthalmology in 2015. She is an active member of ASOA and the American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives, and holds both the Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) and Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE) designations.
“Collaboration is essential for practice administrators in ophthalmology,” Averette said. “ASOA has been instrumental in fostering the exchange of best practices, innovation and shared learning. The COE certification reflects our commitment to excellence, continued education and the long-term success of our practices. With ongoing advances in ophthalmology, evolving management platforms and new ownership models, it is important that the COE examination remains relevant to the responsibilities we carry today and in the future.”
Averette previously contributed to the COE Job Task Analysis project, helping ensure that certification standards and examination content align with the evolving responsibilities of ophthalmic executives nationwide.
“Shelley has always been committed to lifelong learning and education for those at Raleigh Ophthalmology,” said Ian Maltzman, MHSA, COE, regional director of operations at EyeSouth Partners. “Her election to the National Board elevates that reach to others in our industry at a national level.”
Averette earned a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
For more information about the National Board for the Certification of Ophthalmic Executives, visit www.asoa.org.
