EYE CARE ONE

WHAT IS IT?: Provides comprehensive optometric and ophthalmological services.

OWNERS: Drs. Jeff and Tracie Sponseller

ADDRESS: 3152 Washington Road, Augusta; 1456 Walton Way, Augusta; second floor, Medical College of Georgia Hospital, Augusta; 336 Georgia Ave., North Augusta; 3553 Richland Ave. W., Aiken

IN OPERATION: First location opened 31/2 years ago.

EMPLOYEES: 15

WHAT YOUR BUSINESS DOES: It provides everything you need for your eyes. Comprehensive vision examinations for the detection of eye disease, glasses and contacts. Emergency office visits and walk-in appointments are always welcome. We have both optometric and ophthalmological examinations.

MCG Opthalmologists specialize is pediatrics, cataracts, geriatrics and glaucoma at the Washington Road office, where we have a full-service laboratory that offers glasses in one hour.

In addition to Eye Care One, we have Eye Care One Laser Vision Center where we perform refractive surgery, including LASIK and PRK surgery by Dr. David Bogorad. Dr. Bogorad has over 15 years of refractive surgery experience including over 4,000 LASIK surgeries.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS?: Jeff and Tracie were born a day apart in the same hospital in Sturgis, Mich. They began dating in high school and were married after high school graduation at the age of 18. They completed their undergraduate and optometric education at Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tahlequah, Okla.

After graduation they returned to Michigan and began private practice optometry. In 2004, they sold their practices in Michigan and moved to Augusta. "We were drawn to Augusta by the family atmosphere, excellent school system and beautiful weather."

WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT THE BUSINESS: The practice of optometry for us has always been about helping others. Providing care for vision, which is one of the most valued senses in the human body, is very rewarding.

WHAT YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT THE BUSINESS: Our biggest challenge is balancing family life and business. We are blessed to have two daughters and family time is definitely a priority.

WHY YOUR BUSINESS STANDS OUT: Our business stands out because we offer both optometry and ophthalmology services. This offers the patient full-service eye care. We care for patients age 1 day to 100 years old.

We also emphasize a very friendly "no problem" attitude when working with our patients. We do everything our patients need to create a pleasant, professional, and comfortable experience. We don't want our patients to feel like just a number, everyone is special and we take special care with every patient.

ORGANIZATIONS/EVENTS INVOLVED IN: Monthly free LASIK seminars to educate patients about refractive surgery. Members of Augusta, North Augusta, and Aiken chambers of commerce.

WHERE YOU SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN FIVE YEARS/10 YEARS: In five and 10 years we see our business continuing with the most current technology and latest treatment options for vision and eye health. We will continue providing the best vision care and service possible for our patients.

MOST IMPORTANT BUSINESS PRINCIPLE: Listen to what your patients want, then give them what they are asking for.

BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN THE BUSINESS: Continued staff training. We handle this challenge by monthly staff meetings and continuous training.

YOUR BEST BUSINESS ADVICE: Love what you do. Love it everyday.

COMPANIES INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE BEHIND THE BUSINESS FEATURE SHOULD CONTACT BUSINESS EDITOR DAMON CLINE AT (706) 823-3486 OR DAMON.CLINE@AUGUSTACHRONICLE.COM.