Optician Highlight: Meet Kathleen

Today, we’re highlighting Kathleen, one of our talented opticians at COA. Read more about her in this interview as we continue to celebrate 20 years of our Optical Shoppe!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

I love to be outdoors and hiking. I grew up in New England, so I’m used to the extremes of weather, and to this day, I love driving on the back roads in a snowstorm. I also enjoy being creative and reading. Most of all, I love spending time with my husband and baby boy. Life happens so quickly that I try to soak up as many memorable moments with my family as I can.

2. What attracted you to be part of the COA team?

I was attracted by my desire and drive to provide personal and exceptional care for our patients.

3. How do you ensure a “perfect fit” for each patient?

I like to find a frame that fits well and that the patient is excited about. Then, I’ll make the customized adjustments to the frame to ensure that it fits the patient perfectly.

4. Why did you choose to become an optician?

I really liked the technical aspect of being an optician. I also appreciated the personal and fun side of styling my patients and building relationships with them over the years.

5. What is it you most enjoy about being an optician?

I enjoy helping our patients see their best by providing customized measurements and frame adjustments. It makes my day when I have a patient who is so happy with their new glasses. Glasses are something that we use every day—having a good pair of glasses affects all areas of our lives.

6. What do you do to help children choose the best frame?

I like to ask what their favorite color is and make it fun by helping them choose a frame that they are excited about wearing.

7. What skills are essential to being a great optician?

To be a great optician, you need to have an eye for fit and style, patience, as well as an understanding of optics and how optics affect the way that we see.