Supporting women's eye health through different life stages

Meet Carolina Hollman, Licensed Optician and Contact Lens Practioner, Retail Partner at Specsavers RioCan Meadows. She shares her perspective on supporting women’s eye health throughout different life stages, and how her personal journey as a woman in the eyecare industry shapes her approach to patient care.

1. As a woman in eyecare, how has your personal experience shaped the way you support and connect with your female patients?

As a woman in eyecare, I’m very passionate about empowering other women to take ownership of their health, especially their eye health. I often see women who are so focused on caring for others that they delay their own care, so I strive to create an environment where they feel supported, informed, and confident making decisions about their vision and overall wellbeing. Education is a big part of that for me, making sure women understand their options and feel comfortable advocating for themselves. I started in this industry as a young woman looking for a career, and watching my mother balance her career and home life taught me the importance of resilience, empathy, and understanding the demands women face. That experience has shaped how I connect with my female patients and I make it a priority to truly understand their needs and create a supportive space where they feel heard, respected, and cared for every time they come into the clinic.

2. What eye health considerations do you commonly see in women contact lens wearers, especially around comfort, dry eye, or lifestyle factors?

In women who wear contact lenses, I commonly see concerns around comfort and dry eye, often influenced by hormonal changes, screen time, medications, and environmental factors. Many women also lead very busy lifestyles, so convenience and long-lasting comfort are especially important. I focus on helping patients understand how their lifestyle and lens choice can impact both comfort and overall eye health, so they feel confident managing their eye health while staying comfortable in their lenses throughout the day.

3. How do life stage-related hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause, influence contact lens wear, and how do you guide patients through these shifts?

Life stage-related hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause, can naturally affect the eyes, impacting tear production, corneal sensitivity, and overall contact lens comfort. The most important part of managing these changes is education and helping patients understand that these shifts are normal and providing them with the tools they need to continue wearing contact lenses successfully. I guide patients through these changes by offering strategies for dry eye management, adjusting lens wear time, and selecting lenses that fit their lifestyle. I emphasize that contact lenses can be empowering and help women feel confident, and that these hormonal changes are not reasons to stop wearing them but simply need to be managed properly. Regular, comprehensive eye exams are essential, as they allow me to monitor changes, address discomfort early, and provide personalized advice. By educating and supporting my patients, I help them maintain both comfort and confidence while navigating these natural life stage changes.

4. How has being part of Specsavers supported the way you care for women’s eye health, and what makes the environment a good fit for you as a clinician?

My journey with Specsavers has truly been life changing, from working as a contact lens practitioner to becoming a retail partner I have seen firsthand how the company empowers its employees through meaningful support, ongoing education, and genuine opportunities for growth. I’ve developed not only as a clinician but also as a leader, gaining the tools and training to support and develop my team which is something I’m deeply passionate about. Being part of Specsavers allows me to deliver high quality, accessible eye care tailored to women at every stage of life while continuing to deepen my knowledge in areas that uniquely impact women’s eye health, supported by a strong focus on patient centered care, advanced technology, and continuous learning. This environment aligns perfectly with my values of education and teamwork, enabling me to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in my patients’ lives and supporting the women I work alongside every day.