Memories and Honoring Jo Svochak
Jo began her career in the contact lens industry alongside her husband, Frank Svochak, Sr., a true pioneer of contact lens machining in 1976 when they founded TruForm Optics. After Frank’s passing in 1982 Jo assumed the role as President of TruForm Optics, (1982-2019), and her passion to help people see their world better was made possible through TruForm’s countless contact lens design and machinery advancements throughout her 37 years of service to the industry.
Jo went on to be a pioneer in her own right, as she was the first female to hold the position of President with the Contact Lens Manufacturers Association (CLMA) from 1999 to 2000. In 2013 Jo received the Trailblazers Award, by the CLMA, for her outstanding achievement in product development to the enhancement of the contact lens industry. Since the inception of the Trailblazers Award in 1987 Jo remains the only female to receive the coveted award.
Among Jo’s notable work at TruForm Optics, she was proud of the contributions her late husband, Frank, and her son and current President of TruForm, Jan Svochak, made to advancing the industry forward, and she took great pride in the accolades she was able to see them receive: (1994) Jan Svochak received the Creative Design and Process Award by the CLMA, for innovation in lens design and manufacturing process to the enhancement of the contact lens industry. (2006) Frank Svochak, Sr., received the Trailblazers Award for outstanding achievement in product development to the enhancement of the contact lens industry by the CLMA.
Jo attended her last CLMA meeting in 2018 and enjoyed the fellowship of her life-long friends and colleagues. Jo was also able to see her son, Jan Svochak, receive the Leonardo da Vinci Award for vision in establishing the focus of the CLMA and dedication to the achievement of its goals. This was a momentous event for the entire Svochak family.
Jo had a zest for life and a personal charm that drew people from all walks of life. Any conversation with Jo was a meaningful and memorable one. Above all of Jo’s career accomplishments and her unwavering dedication to the contact lens industry, her deepest love was being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Jo had a special place in her heart for children, especially babies which always brought the brightest smile to her face.
Naomi “Jo” Svochak, was a compassionate and loving woman, and will be missed by all those who knew her.
