Our Team

Karen

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

I first had the idea for Opticalm in 2012 following the diagnosis of my son’s learning disabilities and visual stress. During the first few years, I spent most of my time researching the condition, testing and training on the testing tools and solution options, and travelling to the US and Europe to meet with researchers, manufacturers, and users of the equipment.

In 2013, I completed the certificate for “Colorimetry in Clinical Optometry and Education” in Cardiff, UK and studied all CET material offered by Optometry Today and the UK’s General Optical Council. This is also when I acquired the first Intuitive Colorimeter in Canada. In 2014 I began offering assessment services a few days a week in local therapy spaces and in 2015, the Opticalm Visual Stress Clinic opened. It has since grown to a fully operational assessment clinic, showroom and training centre. To date, I've performed hundreds of hours of assessments and consultations and supervised the training of two assessment specialists. I am a member of the International Institute of Colorimetry, and I've completed the Neuro-Visual Rehabilitation course with Dr. W Padula, as well as the “The Complicated Brain”  series at the University of Ottawa Mini-Med School.

In the past few years, I have been invited to speak at conferences in both Europe and Canada. 

I have a business degree from McGill University and over 30 years of experience in new business development in the public and private sectors.

"I'm committed to increasing the awareness of the condition, and developing a network of specialists that can provide high-quality evidence-based products and services for the treatment of Visual Stress."  

Robert

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

I co-founded Opticalm with Karen in 2012. I now manage business operations and the Canadian release of the Intuitive Colorimeter. I'm excited to help raise the awareness of visual stress and build a strong nationwide network of eye care professionals who will provide assessment services. This will bring greater access to solutions for individuals who suffer from visual stress.
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Before joining Opticalm, I worked for over 34 years in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. I bring solid experience in business management, planning, communications, sales and marketing.

Josée

Digital Marketing Lead

I am involved in the development and execution of our communications, social media and web strategies as well as collaborate with my colleagues to support our marketing and development activities. I have a Bachelor's degree in International Marketing from Carleton University and am thrilled to apply my skills to support Opticalm's expansion and our clients' growth.

I have worked with many small businesses and Opticalm has really stood out as their dedication and determination of bringing awareness and solutions for visual stress is greatly impacting the community. I’m fortunate to be a member of this strong team and take part in building recognition for visual stress. 

Nico

Design & Creative Lead

I work on graphic design, photography, videography, and web programming. These are all areas I concentrated on in my Bachelor of Information Technology in Interactive Multimedia & Design degree at Carleton University and Algonquin College. 
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I fully understand how helpful precision-tinted lenses are. They made a massive difference for me. I have been wearing mine since grade 5, when we discovered that visual stress was the main contributor to my various learning and attention problems in school. I want to share my story hoping that others like me will not “lose confidence at school” just because they don’t know about the simple solutions that can stop the words from swirling and flashing, as they did for me. 
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My classmates thought it was “cool” how they made such a difference for me, and I get many great compliments about how stylish they look.  I hope to encourage others to be confident about wearing tinted lenses and not worry about what others say. 

Julie

Marketing Communications Specialist

I work on everything related to communications, social media, digital marketing and events management. I’m going into my fourth year in public relations at the University of Ottawa, and I’m really proud and excited to be part of the team. 
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Opticalm’s purpose touches me personally as it helps Epilepsy, which I was diagnosed with when I was eight.  While I do not suffer from visual stress, I am committed to raising awareness of the condition and help others find solutions and reach their full potential. 
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I look forward to seeing you on our social media channels. Let’s spread the word together and give people affected by Visual Stress a chance to a better quality of life. 

Sarah

Marketing Communications Specialist

My focus is on sharing Opticalm's incredible work and raising awareness for visual stress. This includes social media publications, digital marketing and events management. Being part of a team that is passionate about their work as much as I am is beyond exciting!
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In 2020, after obtaining my diploma in public relations from La Cité, I decided to follow my studies at the University of Ottawa. I will graduate with my Honours Bachelor in April 2022.
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Rapid growth is my passion, and so is making people with visual stress aware of precision-tinted lenses. I understand how people can be affected by this condition and the importance of helping them manage the triggers of visual stress.
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I am looking forward to your support to help us raise awareness. Together, we can make a difference!

Anya

Junior Data & Research Analyst

I support the team through data collection, analysis and management of our research and CRM databases.  It is eye-opening to see the worldwide number of journals, books, articles and research papers that focus on Visual Stress and the benefits of precision tinted lenses.

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Working at Opticalm is exciting and rewarding. I love being part of a team that helps increase the awareness of visual stress. Our simple solutions like tinted overlays, coloured paper, and coloured glasses are powerful tools to help individuals succeed in school, work and life.

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I am currently studying Psychology at the University of Ottawa and, among other things, enjoy learning more about the brain and how issues like stress can influence learning - and life!

I understand how helpful precision tinted lenses can be. I wore them in elementary school to help me read condensed texts and concentrate in a busy, highly lit classroom. My precision-tinted blue-purple lenses removed the perceptual distortions that caused me to experience word movement and depth perception difficulties. I no longer require the accommodation as my brain can now manage the triggers to visual stress.
 
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and my dog Oliver. I also like to exercise, go on walks, bike rides and be in nature whenever I can.

Joanie

French Translator & Editor

As the French Translator and Editor, I am supporting Opticalm’s expansion across Canada. Making the website and other relevant content accessible to the French community is my priority.

Despite years of research, the public does not know what visual stress is, how it can affect their lives and what solutions are available to help them manage their symptoms. While it is easy to find information about this condition in English, information in French is scarce. My work with Opticalm will help more people learn about visual stress and what they can do to improve their quality of life.

Janet

Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) - Finance

I've been working with Opticalm since it first started, providing bookkeeping and accounting services, including planning and forecasting of financial information and insights to help facilitate the company’s growth. I also work as the director and co-president of Oulton & Devine Inc. for which I provided bookkeeping and accounting services since 1992. 

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