I always enjoyed helping people. Once I was exposed to working in an optometric office, I knew I had found my life's work and went on to become an optometrist. In 2001, after working as an associate and an adjunct professor, I opened my own practice. I thought it was a dream come true—I had no idea how wrong I would be.

I worked hard, putting my heart and soul into the practice. Although I got excellent results on my patients, after five years and much hard work, we were running deeply in the red. I was the highest-trained and lowest-paid person in the office, taking home less than my receptionist! Even worse, I often had to cover the office expenses with my credit cards. The constant stress was taking its toll on my health and my family life. I couldn't go on living and working just to keep the doors open. I needed help to get my practice and my life back on track.

I looked at what several consulting firms had to offer. There were lots of people who were willing to tell me what to do but only Sterling offered to train me on how to effectively run my practice. In 2006, I signed up for the Sterling program and took management courses and received one-on-one consulting. Sterling understands that each doctor and each practice is different and so I received customized services to meet my exact needs.

The program produced immediate results. The office was better organized; the staff became more efficient and worked better as a team. In the first six months, our production rose by 30% and I was able to start paying myself. The practice has now doubled and instead of being in debt, we have a positive cash flow and money in the bank.

Sterling filled in the practice management training not taught in optometric school. The program gave me practical knowledge that I use on a daily basis in and out of the office.

Instead of the practice controlling my life, I am now in the driver's seat. Without the stress my health is better, I am making more money and I have the pleasure of working with staff who are as enthusiastic about building the practice as I am.

If any of this hits home to you, I recommend calling Sterling at 800-933-9318 and asking for their complimentary DVD and a free consultation. Sterling put me in the driver's seat running my practice.

Jeanette Lee, O.D.