Blueprints for Success
20/20 Magazine | August 25, 2012
Great customer service is an essential for any eyecare practice, but even the most efficient employees can’t compensate for an outdated dispensary.
Great customer service is an essential for any eyecare practice, but even the most efficient employees can’t compensate for an outdated dispensary. That’s why Lina Than, OD, decided it was time for LT Optometry to undergo an image overhaul.
After nearly five years at her Westminster, Calif., location, Dr. Than was tired of what she describes as the “old, messy and worn” look of her dispensary. Dr. Than envisioned a modernized, stylish office that was inviting to customers, as well as an enjoyable workplace for her employees.
To help accomplish this, Dr. Than enlisted the help of San Francisco-based Magic Design, division of Ennco Display Systems, Inc. Cy Furman, director of design, worked with Dr. Than to rejuvenate the dated LT Optometry and transform it into an appealing practice that patients would enjoy visiting. “When I called Cy, he really knew what he was talking about, and his services fit our price point,” says Dr. Than.
With a budget of approximately $55,000, which included fixtures, seating, lighting, flooring and accessories, Furman put his creativity to work. “The goal was to find a balance between classy and modern,” says Furman. Dr. Than selected a clean cut design called Intersections which served as the palette for the office’s redesign. “I strived to appeal to an eclectic interest and create the right image for the location,” says Furman.
With 888 total square feet to work with, Furman created a charming boutique that encourages patients to browse and shop with ease. “What I like to do is create a magnetic feel,” says Furman.
A major element of creating a magnetic environment was choosing an appropriate color scheme. “I was careful not to be too feminine; the dispensary needs to appeal to women, men and children of all ages,” says Furman. The final result was anything but overtly effeminate: The walls are painted in soft, neutral shades toughened up by an eye-catching blue accent wall behind the dispensary’s front desk. The shiny, mid-toned wood floor with contrasting dark grains creates depth—an element of the dispensary that now receives many compliments, according to Dr. Than.
Dark dispensing tables are lined with chairs framed by wood just a shade lighter than the floor. An elaborate light fixture is at the center of attention in the middle of the ceiling, while stylish mini-pendant lights elegantly hang overhead.
There is one aspect of LT Optometry’s new design, however, that is reminiscent of its old look: the diagonal stone detail behind the front desk. While Furman worked his magic to alter the original wall, the end result ties the room together. “The stone detail is one of my favorite parts, I’m glad we kept it,” says Dr. Than.
The dispensary, which takes up 512 square feet of LT Optometry’s entire office, carries about 1,000 frames which are displayed in neat, simple dark cases. Among the frames, popular brands like Ray-Ban, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Versace and Prada offer patients a wide selection of high-end style.
LT Optometry is proof that an older practice can be revamped to satiate the creative and commercial needs of an optical practice. “Dr. Than was able to effectively communicate her own ideas and vision to allow the design team to create a unique and beautiful optical environment,” says Furman.
Dr. Than and her staff are pleased with the completed design. “The patients have definitely noticed and complimented our new image. Now we have a great office to go along with our excellent customer service,” she says.
