This page is dedicated to my staff at Erie Optical. Without their effort and dedication I would not be able to do my job effectively. We have one overriding philosophy which is to treat all of our patients in the same manner in which we ourselves would like to be treated. I can honestly say that I believe my staff puts forth a great effort to achieve this goal on a daily basis. I'm very proud of their work.
Dr. Robert Waldman
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Connie BuchananOffice Manager
Connie started with Erie Optical in 1995 and is involved in all aspects of the business. She especially enjoys helping patients understand lens materials available for them to see their best and helping them select eyewear customized to each person's individual personality.
Connie keeps current on new products and technology and loves to see the patient's happy expression when they have purchased glasses they thought 'would never look good on them.'
Connie works directly with Dr. Waldman in many practice management areas including patient care issues, advertising and marketing, and account management.
In addition to her job at Erie Optical, Connie does event/party planning. She is married, has 2 children and just welcomed her 4th grandchild. She just adores them all and spends anytime she has with them!
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Karen Harrison LockerOptical Manager
When Karen started at Erie Optical the Rolling Stones were young, Lyndon Johnson was president and miniskirts were in.' Many things have changed since then but my job has always been about the same thing which is helping people look and feel better', says Karen. Over the years Karen has developed a reputation for having an exceptional eye for fashion. Many patients come in and ask for her personal attention in selecting eyewear.
Karen's relationship with Dr. Waldman goes back forty years when he was still in high school and she was working with his father who was the original owner of Erie Optical. ' We're like family. I am happy I have been a part of building a business that is an asset to the community. '
In addition to her job at Erie Optical, Karen also does interior decorating, and has a passion for cooking.
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Linda KaehlerAssistant Manager
Linda has been a patient of Dr. Waldman since she was 14 years old and has worked with the company since 1997. 'I am often referred to as 'The Mechanic' in the practice, since I am the person who usually can fix anything. If there's a computer problem,' I'm there.' jokes Linda.
In addition to helping patients with their eyewear, she may be the one you hear on the phone or checking you in when you arrive at our office.
Linda is married and has two beautiful children, Ruby and Jeff. 'They are the light of my life. I enjoy ghost stories, and my favorite thing to do is to eat Italian food along with a glass of wine.
I am an avid NASCAR fan. In my spare time, I enjoy sewing, scrap booking, cooking, and spending as much time with my kids as I can.
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Birgit ManningLicensed Optician
Brigit finds her greatest passion in the office is working one-on-one with patients. She is extremely energetic and prides herself on providing efficient and friendly care, and has been in the optical business for over 23 years. In addition to repairing, adjusting and helping select glasses, Brigit also teaches new contact lens wearers to insert and remove contact lenses and how to care for them properly.
'I am known for being somewhat talkative, to put it mildly, but the staff just laughs and gets a kick out of it. Not sure about Doc though!'
Originally from Heilbronn, Germany, Birgit became an America citizen in 2013. She is married and has three children. She enjoys watching movies, cooking and spending time with her children.
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Elaine BuchananInsurance Billing/Front Desk Administration
Elaine started with Erie Optical in August of 2013. Elaine works part time in our office. Elaine is our fun, goofy, one of the bunch. She always has a smile on her face and a song in her heart! And is always willing to do a funny little dance for you on a moment’s notice! Elaine just had her first child in October, a sweet precious boy. He is the light of her life!
Elaine is responsible for billing of your insurance claims, processing VSP orders, and other insurance orders as well. You will also see her in the evenings at our front desk to greet you for your appointments.
Elaine teaches High school Math at Geneva High school in Geneva. She is a graduate of Cleveland State University. And if you are wondering the answer is proudly YES, Elaine is the daughter in law of our Office Manager Connie!
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Patty KolencikReceptionist
Patty joined Erie Optical in June of 2013. In her time working here she has found her new passion…FILES! Patty’s role here is managing the patients’ files and information. She is the face of the office and is often the one calling you letting you know your glasses or contacts are in.
She has begun learning more of the optical side to begin her training as an optician. “Vision interests me a lot and I love working one on one with patients. I love the connection and personal relationships that I have made with patients. I would love to help patients find the perfect glasses.”
Patty is married with two wonderful children. Patty is a proud Nana of three beautiful grand daughters whom she enjoys spending time with. She also has a passion for cooking and baking, and bakes for the staff a lot! Everyone at Erie Optical LOVES her treats she surprises us with!