Leet EyeCare

Year established: 1987

Product or service offered: Optometry, glasses, sunglasses, contacts

Number of employees: 15 full time, three part time and four doctors

Location: 3230 Blattner Drive and 856 N. Kingshighway; Cape Girardeau

Owners: Gregory S. Leet, O.D.; Kory P. Thoma, O.D.; Laura R. Evans, O.D.

What is your vision for your business and/or your industry in 2012?

Jessica Estes, office manager: We are excited about 2012. Our industry is constantly changing and we pride ourselves on being the first in the area to provide cutting edge technology and information to our patients. Our vision is to provide the best vision possible to everyone in the Heartland!

Give us an example or two of an idea that came to fruition in the last couple of years, and how has that helped your consumers or clients?

Dr. Thoma: We added a second location in 2010. This was an idea that we had that has allowed us to reach more people and also to add another optometrist to our practice. We are excited to see what that office brings to the community.

What role does your business play in the betterment of the community?

Dr. Wood: We provide professional, quality eye care. We are committed to doing whatever it takes to make sure our patients receive the best care available. We offer a wide range of services to help patients of all ages, backgrounds and needs.

What do you think is the community's biggest asset from a business perspective?

Dr. Evans: The Heartland! The people here are honest and hardworking. Cape Girardeau is set in a great area where we can draw patients from all over, not just the 40,000 residents of Cape Girardeau, but Scott City, Jackson, Sikeston and beyond in all directions.

Leet EyeCare

What are some lessons that you learned at a young age that still apply in your business philosophy today?

Dr. Leet: I had a great mentor early. Doctor Bill Wright taught me that all doctors know what they're doing, but it's about taking care of the person not just their eyes. This philosophy has stuck with me during my career and has been a building block of Leet EyeCare.