Ten Years of Heart, Growth, and Purpose
Celebrating 10 years with a company means more than just counting the years. It shows dedication, growth, and a workplace where people can build lasting careers. At Panhandle Eye Group, we want our team members to have chances to grow while making a difference for our patients. This month, we’re excited to honor two outstanding employees who have made a real impact on our practice: Erin Turner and Danielle Needham.
Erin Turner: A Decade of Steady Growth
Erin Turner started at Panhandle Eye Group 10 years ago as a checkout receptionist. She later moved to a check-in receptionist role, working with Dr. Dixon for nine years, and then joined the business office as a biller.
Reflecting on her time here, Erin shared, “It’s been great. It’s been wonderful. I feel like Panhandle Eye Group has been very good to me, and I really enjoy working for them.”
Over the years, she took on chances to learn new skills, including some technical work. She says these opportunities helped her feel challenged and supported. “I feel like there’s always an opportunity to do bigger things and grow with the company,” she said. “I definitely don’t feel stuck.”
When asked what she likes most about her day, Erin’s answer was simple: “Seeing everybody.” She enjoys working at her own pace and coming in ready to get things done. Even when times are tough, she stays positive. “Some days are rough,” she shared. “But what’s kept me going is my family and the vibe this office has. I love it here.”
Looking ahead, Erin envisions retirement at Panhandle Eye Group. “I don’t plan on going anywhere,” she added with a laugh. Loyalty like that is built over time, and we are grateful she has chosen to build her career with us.
Danielle Needham: Leadership Rooted in Purpose
Danielle Needham celebrated her 10-year anniversary on February 1st. Her journey began as a PRN nurse in pre-op and post-op with no prior experience in ophthalmology. What started as a new clinical setting became a calling.
“I quickly learned that what kept me going was my love of nursing coupled with ophthalmology and surgery,” she shared. “When you know you love something, you’re just passionate about it. Ophthalmology stole my heart.”
In the last 10 years, Danielle moved from circulating nurse to float charge, and now she is the Director at Amarillo Cataract & Eye Surgery Center, a role she’s held for three years. She has seen how ophthalmic surgery and the center have grown. New advances in cataract, retina, and glaucoma procedures have greatly improved patient care, and being part of these changes means a lot to her.
Her motivation is about more than career growth. She says helping patients regain their independence by improving their vision is another reason she has stayed. “To be part of helping a patient improve their vision and their everyday living is just pretty great.”
Danielle often reminds her team that every patient is someone’s loved one. “That’s somebody’s father. That’s somebody’s mother,” she tells them. This way of thinking shapes the culture she builds in the surgery center.
When asked about the future, Danielle said she wants to keep growing and learning with her team. She also shared her thanks. “I’m thankful to everybody who’s been a part of [my journey]. It is a big deal to me, and I’ve been happy to spend the last 10 years here.”
Celebrating 10 Years of Impact
These days, it’s rare for someone to stay with one company for 10 years. Erin and Danielle show us that when people feel valued, supported, and connected to their work, they build lasting careers.
Thank you, Erin Turner and Danielle Needham, for your dedication, loyalty, and heart. We’re proud to celebrate your 10 years and look forward to many more milestones together.