With 45+ years in eye care as a certified optician, there is not much she has not experienced. A 2026 Vision Monday Most Influential Women in Optical Rising Star honoree, ABOC/NCLE Educator, and sought-after speaker.

She serves as President of Optical Professionals of Minnesota, sits on the United Opticians Association Board, and is an active member of the Optical Women’s Association as a champion, mentor and leader at every turn.

Karen recently has decided not to retire, but rewire her career. Today, Karen is a leading voice for aging patients, their caregivers, and the professionals who serve them. She founded Eyes on Dementia to bring critical, practical insights to those caring for patients with cognitive decline. Shaped by her own caregiving journey, she is reaching and rallying the industry to raise the standard of care for a population too often overlooked.