Headshot of Mary Finnegan

Mary Finnegan, COT

Clinical Manager

Mary has been in ophthalmology for approximately 30 years and has been a Certified Ophthalmic Technician for 6 years. Before joining Wilmington Eye in April 2021, Mary was the clinic manager for a large ophthalmology practice in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was employed for more than 20 years.

Mary has had a passion for eyes since high school when she started working in a lab that ground lenses for glasses. From there, Mary grew in her healthcare career, becoming an ABO and NCLE certified optician, then trained as an ophthalmic technician and obtained her COA, followed by COT certifications. Mary performed as a lead tech and was soon promoted to clinic manager. She feels fortunate to have been trained by some amazing fellow technicians and doctors along the way, as well as some very supportive administrative staff.

Ophthalmology is a great field for anyone who is compassionate and enjoys helping others. She finds it very rewarding, be it helping patients, assisting doctors, or helping technicians to further their skills and obtain certification. Mary believes her legacy will be the numerous technicians she has helped train who will continue to provide great service and compassionate care to patients—for helping patients is the most important aspect of being in ophthalmology.

Mary is the mother of two beautiful daughters: one who is soon to graduate from pharmacy school at Shenandoah University, and her youngest, who is following in her footsteps, is currently a COA working for the Veterans Administration. Mary loves being a mom and is passionate about sailing. In fact, she earned her Skipper Certifications in August 2018 and captained her own boat around the Caribbean for seven days! Mary also loves riding motorcycles, hiking, kayaking, and is very adventurous.