An Interview With Dr. Sophia W. Barnes, O.D. at Vision Corner in Houston, TX

Vision Corner provides comprehensive eye care and prescriptions in the Galleria area and Uptown Park region of Houston, Texas. The staff there are also pediatric and glaucoma specialists, able to treat eye diseases and infections. We are speaking with Dr. Barnes again, and today she talks to us about the ups and downs of running Vision Corner.

Hello, Dr. Barnes. Is there anything that has presented a challenge for you in this business? Have you ever considered giving up?

Time is a challenge– there has to be more time working on the business, than in the business. No, never.

I believe many business owners would agree with you about that challenge. Having a foot on both sides of that line, what have you found most rewarding about running Vision Corner?

Independence, and the ability to make the correct decisions that have benefited my patients. After all, my business is all about focusing on the needs of my patients. My patients are wonderful! They are honest and accepting. I’ve had no problems in that area at all.

What would your best day as a business owner look like?

To have record sales, with all patients buying either eyeglasses or contact lenses. If all customers are buying eye glasses, it tells me that we are providing them with great value and a tremendous selection.

Is the business where you would like it to be?

Unfortunately, we are behind. This is because of the economic downturn in 2008, which has put us about three years behind where we had planned to be! However, we are quickly catching up to our original plans, and we are very proud of the progress we’ve made despite this setback, which was of course beyond our control.

Since the economic climate has changed, what do your new plans look like?

In the next year we will continue our growth at a steady pace and add more staff to our fantastic team. In five years we want Vision Corner to be the “go to” optometrists in Houston. In ten years, we aim to be the number one optometry practice in Houston.

What advice do you have to offer to others who are considering starting a business?

Do it! You’ll never regret it.

Vision Corner is located at 5000 Westheimer Rd., Ste 590, Houston, TX, 77056. Learn more about their services at http://www.visioncorner.com , or by calling (713) 623-2000.

www.visioncorner.com

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