A new optometry practice in Victoria has been awarded the Silver Winner for Shopfit Design by the 2015 Melbourne Design Awards.
The Optometrist at Tooronga Village is the second store owned by optometrist Jason Teh and is a member of the ProVision group. The new store was designed by the Melbourne based interiors company Two Design.
Speaking of the design process, Mr. Teh said, “The Optometrist was born from a desire to offer Melbourne a unique eyecare experience as well as a store with unique eyewear. Our goal was to have two great spaces – the clinical and retail – under a single, beautifully designed store.”
Having owned his own store for over a decade, Mr. Teh said venturing down the path of discount frames and lenses was of no interest. “Technology has changed so much in the last few years that it was important to create a store that could provide patients access to the best possible healthcare that we can provide. The goal was to create a space that valued the customers and valued the quality of care that independent optometrists can provide.
“We consulted with ProVision to find designers who could create the kind of store we wanted and, after several discussions, we came up with a design that could showcase beautiful frames as well as a fantastic consultation room,” said Mr. Teh. “The design worked by separating the two spaces, retail and clinical, with an ‘organic’ change in the pattern of the carpet, bulkhead and lighting designs. It was a really interesting experience working with designers to create a design from the ideas we discussed with them. Sabina McDonald and Graeme Schneider at ProVision were invaluable in helping us develop our ideas and to make it all happen. ProVision was really supportive of our ideas and we often leaned on their collective experience to help push forward in the right direction.”
Mr. Teh said that as well as creating a new look and feel for the store, it was important to secure the right team.
“We were fortunate to find a fantastic optometrist, Rebecca Li, who is not only very smart, but also passionate and involved in all areas of the business. Our practice manager, Noelle Sawan has a lot of experience in the industry and has been invaluable for the new store.”
Two Design Director Rohin Adams said being recognised by the Melbourne Design Awards as a Silver Winner was confirmation of the “beautiful optometry practice” that has been created.
“Our goal was to break down the boundaries of traditional ‘clinical’ optometry by featuring the procedural equipment in a warm and inviting environment. This was achieved by creating an inviting atmosphere with complete transparency.”
