Kathy, Dr. Schmakel’s wife, has worked in the optometry field with her husband since 1988. Currently at Schmakel Eye Care, she serves as the Vice President of Operations and Office Manager.  Her numerous responsibilities include all of the record keeping and accounting procedures, payroll administration, optometric technician, scheduling and insurance reconciliation.  Kathy also is a certified program specialist in the Sensory Learning Program.

Dawn has worked with her father, Dr. Schmakel , in various capacities within his optometry practice since 1988.  After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Management with an emphasis on Human Resources, Dawn and her father started The Vision Improvement Program in 1993. While managing VIP, she furthered her education and received her Law Degree from the University of Toledo in 1999.  In 2008, Dawn assisted and guided Dr. Schmakel in the acquisition and development of the Sensory Learning office. Although she leads an active and full life with her family, she continues to have a limited but significant role in the practice specifically in management and marketing. Working with and seeing her father daily is an added perk.

Margie has a Bachelor of Science degree in education and has worked with Dr. Schmakel for over 15 years.  Margie’s titles include Program Administrator for The Vision Improvement Program and Sensory Learning Program.  She also works with the children and adults in the two programs as a vision therapist and certified program specialist.  Margie also has numerous responsibilities in the optometry office including billing and insurance filing and processing.

Nikki has been with Schmakel Eye Care for several years and works as our Senior Optometric Technician.  Her responsibilities include administering all of the initial testing including; color vision, depth perception, visual fields, glaucoma readings, auto refraction and digital images of the retina, before patients are seen by the doctor.  She also collects patient histories and prepares them for the doctor.  Due to an extensive background in employee training from previous work experiences, Nikki is responsible for the training and orientation of any and all new employees at Schmakel Eye Care.  Nikki is currently pursuing her education in the optical field and is certified in the dispensing of frames and lenses.  Having been certified as a Program Specialist for The Sensory Learning Program, Nikki administers the program to patients and is in charge of the scheduling for this office.

Carolyn brings her years of training and studying with various ophthalmologists both locally and at the University of Michigan to Schmakel Eye Care.  Since passing the Ohio Optical Dispensing Board Exam in 1993, Carolyn has had a very rewarding career.  Her skills have enabled her to travel assisting doctors and providing services to indigent and disabled individuals.  Aiding in examinations, repairing eyewear and providing new materials, has been a rewarding aspect of her career.  Upon completing her studies of ocular conditions related to contact lens correction, Carolyn successfully passed the National Contact Lens Registry Examination and now maintains a dual Licensure; Spectacle and Contact Lenses. Carolyn specializes in frame styling to compliment your facial structure and features.  With all the lens options and frame selections available, Carolyn will guide you through your choices.  We invite you to visit our office and experience the professionalism and friendliness she brings to our optical department.

Currently pursuing an associate’s degree at Monroe County Community College, Karen works exclusively with Dr. Schmakel as his personal scribe and dictation specialist. Karen is responsible for accurately recording exam findings and specific notes and recommendations by the doctor for each of his patients. Along with scribing for Dr. Schmakel during the exam, she also assists him in the writing and completion of patient reports that are necessary for insurance coverage.  Karen also coordinates patient flow, scheduling and record keeping.

T.J. has worked for his father since he was in High School at Central Catholic. He went on to attend the Franciscan University of Steubenville and majored in Business Marketing. He has worked in the Insurance industry since college and is now with Travelers Insurance in Cincinnati, Ohio. T.J. continues to work at his father’s office one Saturday a month.