Community > Blog > Operations/Practice Management > Optometry Office Decorations And Design Ideas
Nothing makes a patient dread an appointment like a boring, uncomfortable, ugly medical office. What’s worse, they may associate how the office looks and feels with the quality of the care they receive.
Your optometry office decorations and design should be an extension of who you are as a business and a reflection of what you stand for. A beautifully designed optometry office can breathe new life and energy into your practice and leave a lasting impression. Not only can a great environment make your clients feel welcome, comfortable, and confident in your abilities, it can make your team members more productive, proud, and happy to come into work.
This article will guide you through key elements to consider when designing and decorating your optometry office so that you make the most of the space. Keep in mind, in addition to online research, joining an optometry networking group is a great way to get ideas and inspiration from other practices, as well as access to professional optometry consulting if you get stuck during the design process.
Medical practitioners, including many optometrists, are realizing the importance and power of optometry office decorations and design. Providing high-quality care and customer service is no longer enough to keep up with the competition; Customers are looking for more than a service or product, they want an experience. Picture the classic, stereotypical medical office waiting room, full of drab colors, uncomfortable chairs, and withered magazines. What feelings do you associate with this image? In the modern age, medical offices are breaking away from these stereotypes, some so much so that they don’t even look like medical offices. Some look more like high-end retailers, trendy baristas or luxurious spas. They make you want to hang out there. Here are a few recent examples to get a sense for how things are changing.
When designing your optometry office, the main thing to keep in mind is how you want your clients to feel when they walk through your doors. Is your goal to create a dazzling and professional space? An inviting, home-like atmosphere? Every practice is different, so it’s important to keep your community and your values in mind throughout the design process and stay true to who you are.
These are just a few optometry office design elements and tips to consider. For more ideas and inspiration, connect with other optometry professionals or seek the advice of a professional optometry consultant.
Once you have a well-planned out and designed space, you can focus on the finishing touches. If you sell eyewear, get creative with your displays. Treat your products as the art that they are! Many optometry practices have designed offices that look like museums or designer stores to highlight the products they carry and boost their sales. PECAA member Line of Sight‘s office in New York is a sleek, shining example of what is possible when you think outside the box.
Remember, you can also use your logo and tagline as wall art, which can help improve your optometry branding and generate more recognition. If someone walks by and looks through the window of your office, would they be able to easily find your business name and figure out what you do? If not, think about what opportunities you may be missing out on and make some changes!
When designing and decorating your optometry office, start with your reception and waiting areas, but don’t forget about all the other areas that make up your office. Though every office is different, most will have at least these core areas:
In summary, here are a few key do’s and don’ts of optometry office decorations and design:
Designing a great optometry office is no small undertaking. It’s a time-consuming and important investment, but if done well, it will vitalize your office, brand, team, and community and help you reach your full potential.
Of course, you don’t have to undertake this office design project on your own. Gathering inspiration from your peers and seeking advice from professionals in the industry will ensure a great return on your investment. Joining Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) is a great way to get started. Our expert optometry advisor team, vendor partners, and peer network will help you succeed in today’s competitive environment and be the best that you can be. As a PECAA member, you’ll have continual access to support, inspiration, and resources to guide you through all the aspects of running a successful practice. We’ll help your practice be attractive, inside and out.