Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew To.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Andrew. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I’ve always known that hard work, dedication, and education were essential in succeeding in life. My parents fled Vietnam in 1975 and came over to the United States with literally just the clothes they were wearing. They worked hard and long hours to provide for and raise 5 kids. These values were instilled in my sisters and me at a young age and we all went on to graduate college and find careers.
I enjoyed Science and at a young age, so after being amazed with my first pair of glasses in high school, I knew I wanted to be an Optometrist. After completing my BS in Biology at the University of Houston, I chose the Illinois College of Optometry since they were the oldest and largest Optometry school in the US and were known for excellent clinical training. For my externships, I gained valuable experience at VA hospitals in Vermont and Ohio, a Lasik center in Denver, CO., and low vision/pediatrics in Chicago, IL. After graduating in 2004 and returning to Houston, I worked in various offices for 2 years before starting a practice next to Eyemasters (now Visionworks) in Conroe. While it had been satisfying providing just eye care at that office, my dream to open my own private practice led me to continuously look for new locations. After visiting the Creekside Park Village area, I knew I found my place after seeing how beautiful the village was and how friendly the residents were. After a slightly stressful build out process, I am proud of how the office turned out and the large selection of beautiful frames we carry. I started seeing patients in December 2015 at Creekside Family Eyecare and look forward to providing excellent eye care in the years to come.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, I don’t believe it is ever a smooth road starting a business. Construction requirements and mounting costs associated with the build out were very stressful.
Getting new patients in the door are always a challenge. Also, starting a practice with zero patients takes a few years before consistently operating out of the negative and being able to sleep soundly at nights. I am optimistic and have faith that as long as I treat every patient the way I would want to be treated, everything will be okay. I know that I may not be able to please every patient that walks through the door, but I will make every effort to try my best.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Creekside Family Eyecare story. Tell us more about the business.
Creekside Family Eyecare is your one stop office for eye care. We are committed to providing the highest level of care for our patients. We provide comprehensive eye examinations, treat eye infections/emergencies, co-manage LASIK and Cataract surgeries, perform contact lens evaluations, and carry high quality eye wear/frames. We are proud of our modern office and latest technology in optical equipment. We are also proud to be sponsors to many of the local schools in the area and love to give back to the community.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I am very lucky to have been raised to understand the value of hard work and to appreciate what you have. Our family grew up with very little, yet we have wonderful memories of love, laughter, and know that family is priceless. I am also lucky to have the support of my family, wife, and 5 kids of my own that keep me grounded and constantly busy.
Contact Info:
- Address: 26400 Kuykendahl Rd., Suite. A190,
The Woodlands, Texas 77375 - Website: www.creeksidefamilyeyecare.com
- Phone: 832-559-3861
- Email: creeksidefamilyeyecare@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creeksidefamilyeyecare
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/creeksideeye
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/creekside-family-eyecare-the-woodlands
- Other: https://plus.google.com/113792723601523369812
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