Jade Kowalick
Rophie Vision Care, Dunedin, FL
THE TASKMASTER HAS kind eyes, a disarming smile and a quick wit. From her perch at Rophie Vision Care in Dunedin, FL, she uses her powers for the forces of good — switching effortlessly from task to task with the superhuman ability to master every angle of the business.
Children are especially comforted by her whimsical approach. They relax at once as she guides them through vision therapy and fittings. Her co-workers feel at ease — even when things in the office get tense — thanks to her entertaining ways, funny remarks and save-the-day attitude.
For the keen of sight, her spirit animal — the owl — is just visible in a constant state of alertness for the next task, the next hurdle, and the next challenge to conquer.
And when we say “just visible” we mean it. Jade Kowalick’s owl rests high on her chest, just beneath her neck. It’s a stunning tattoo of a giant owl with colorful wings, a huge heart and the striking eyes for which the animal and this industry are known. Those eyes see everything. And what they see these days are satisfied customers of all ages and colleagues who know The Taskmaster is there to make sure everyone gets to the end of the work day in one piece.
“I’m cross-trained in every aspect of the field. I can go from the doctor’s side to the retail side flawlessly,” Kowalick says. “I save the day every day for my co-worker Pam. I entertain her and make her laugh after my not-so-pleasant boss ruins her day.”
(Is she kidding about the not-so-pleasant boss? We suspect so, though even the best bosses can occasionally be a handful. Kowalick also notes that, a lot of the time, “he’s pretty hilarious.”)
Like any good superhero, Kowalick never considers herself a finished product. There is always more to learn.
“I’m an optician-to-be (currently enrolled in the Opticianry program at HCC in Tampa), a certified Ophthalmic Technician and Certified Lab Technician. I’ve been in the optical field for nine years in both chain and private offices. I currently do everything in the office from pre-testing, optical sales, frame buying, insurance pulling and billing, scheduling appointments, and recalls.”
Even a multi-tasker such as Kowalick has specialties. Hers is one that is sometimes overlooked in the field — children.
“I’ve always loved working with kids. I can get children to be really comfortable with me with vision therapy or just getting them fit with glasses. I’m able to joke around with them, and then turn around and explain to their parents what their needs are. I usually end up having a really close bond with the kids, which makes the parents even more comfortable.”