Karen Michaelson
Elevating Care Through Innovation, Education, & Compassion
Recognized in the eye care industry as a leader in patient experience, professional development, and dementia care training, Karen helps eye care professionals, caregivers, and organizations enhance their impact. Whether you’re looking to improve patient care, boost revenue, navigate the complexities of dementia symptoms, or bring powerful insights to your next event, you’re in the right place.
Select Your Interest:
Motivational Speaking
Select Your Interest:
Eye Care Professionals
Speaking & Coaching Opportunities
Karen Michaelson delivers engaging, industry-specific speaking engagements designed to elevate patient experiences, enhance sales strategies, and connect the dots between customer care and profitability. Her courses go beyond traditional training—offering realistic, repeatable processes that improve patient outcomes, staff confidence, and business success.
While each course provides valuable insights on its own, together they create a comprehensive approach to improving the eye care experience. Whether you’re looking to transform your team’s sales techniques, refine patient communication, or master product presentation, Karen provides actionable strategies and fresh perspectives.
Eye Care Consulting & Training
- Consulting, Training, & Implementation
- ABO/NCLE Education & Speaking
- Patient Experience Expertise
- Specialty Training
I offer specialized training for eye care professionals, covering dementia care, non-routine patient care, and advanced clinical techniques. Our programs equip practitioners to deliver high-quality care to patients with specialized needs.
Welcome to the Dementia Lifeboat Community
Dementia can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. The Dementia Lifeboat Community is a safe, supportive space for anyone touched by dementia: whether you’re caring for a loved one, working in care, or simply noticing that your team could use some extra support.
Here, you’ll find expert-led discussions, peer support, and practical tools designed to guide and uplift you. It’s a place to learn, share, and connect—without judgment and always with encouragement.
This online community was co-founded by Karen, a leader in dementia care advocacy, and Laura Wayman, “The Dementia Whisperer,” known for her compassionate and effective approach to care and communication.
Together, we’re building confidence, knowledge, and hope—one connection at a time. Join us as we navigate the dementia journey, hand in hand.
Poolside chats with experts
Peer-led discussions for sharing experiences and advice
Self-care resources to stay resilient
A safe, supportive space to connect and learn
Whether you’re looking for practical advice, emotional support, or tools to help you stay resilient, the Dementia Life boat
Community is here to help you every step of the way.
Who is Karen Michaelson?
With over 40 years in the eye care industry and a deeply personal connection to dementia care, Karen Michaelson connects the dots between vision health and caregiving. As the daughter of a beloved optician who served patients for 76 years until a traumatic brain injury changed his life at age 93, Karen intimately understands the intersection of eye care, aging, and dementia symptoms.
An ABOC/NCLE-certified professional, Karen now dedicates her expertise to eye care consulting and supporting families and healthcare professionals who navigate the complex journey of caring for aging loved ones with dementia. Her unique perspective comes not just from her extensive professional background in eye care but from her role as a primary caregiver to her father, whose story inspired the creation of Eyes on Dementia.
Drawing from her experience as Executive Director of the Optical Professionals Association and her work with the American Council of the Blind, Karen offers practical, compassionate guidance for both caregivers and healthcare providers. As a recipient of the 2024 Adira grant, she continues to advocate for increased awareness and better care solutions for our aging population.