ST. PAUL - While she may not have been presented with her award at a big gala, Sabrina Michaud was nonetheless honoured and surprised when she found out she had been named Optometric Assistant of the Year at a recent Lakeland Family Eyecare staff meeting. The award is presented to one person from across Alberta, each year.
Patients who visit Lakeland Family Eyecare in St. Paul most likely know Michaud. Her bubbly personality and infectious smile are just some of the reasons she was nominated for the award by Dr. Neil Hodinsky. Along with her regular duties, she also does kindergarten tours, showing children around the clinic.
"She's very friendly. She's very approachable," says Hodinksy.
Michaud is often seen completing a variety of tasks around the clinic, and is known to step into any role, learning new skills quickly, says Hodinsky. When asked to describe Michaud, Hodinsky uses words such as "adaptable" and "fast learner." If she sees that another employee or a patient needs help, she's quick to offer her time.
"She can fill in almost anywhere we need her to," says Hodinksy, adding, patients love to see Michaud when they visit the clinic, and she's really good at putting people at ease.
When she first joined Lakeland Family Eyecare eight years ago, Michaud says she wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The job seemed like a good fit, and the hours were also good since her two kids were just starting school. She had spent the five years prior at home, with her children, and running a dayhome.
She went into the job at Lakeland Family Eyecare without any experience, but was trained on the job. She has since been learning continually. Michaud says learning is an important part of the job, whether it be about new technology or the medical side of things.
When asked what her favourite part of the job is, Michaud smiles, and says, "Turns out, I really like people." She says the social side of the job is what draws her in every day.
When he decided to nominate Michaud for the award, Hodinsky says he kept it a secret. The nomination process requires a 100-word paragraph on why the person is being nominated. The Alberta Association of Optometrists looks for people who go above and beyond the call of duty. Also, the association seeks people who show leadership and go the extra mile without being asked.
Hodinsky says that while he was putting together the nomination, he knew Michaud had a good shot at getting the award. "I knew in my heart she did deserve it."
While the clinic is now back to business and operating with a number of new measures in place, regular operations at the clinic were shut down this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, Michaud continued to work. She was part of a team put together at the emergency clinic that helped with emergent eye-related needs.
"It was a stressful time," admits Hodinsky. But, despite having her own kids at home, Michaud continued to work.
"I feel very fortunate we have Sabrina on our staff," he says.
Michaud has already received her recognition award, which came with a cash prize. The clinic also received funds to celebrate Michaud's success, since the annual gala organized by the Alberta Association of Optometrists has gone virtual this year.
