The 'eyes' have it when it comes to great design

When your practice is in a highly competitive area of medical services, the first impression you make on potential patients when they walk through the door is crucial.

A well designed, modern and spacious practice immediately gives confidence and a sense of trust, which is just one of the benefits Central Sydney Eye Surgeons in Newtown discovered after its 'makeover'.

"We do a lot of laser eye surgery, and it is a very competitive field, so it is very important for us to have a good reputation," practice manager Lisa Hartley said, who sees the look and feel of the practice as part of that reputation.

Working with specialist medical outfitters, Space for Health, Lisa was able to modernise the 12 year old practice, as well as create more space for patient and staff comfort.

"The practice was looking a bit tired and we got to the stage where we wanted to be paperless, so we felt we could use the filing area better," Lisa said.

The new design was personally created by Space for Health founder, Jean Michel Huet, who managed to incorporate an additional consulting room for the practice’s four doctors and open up the layout of the 135 square metre floor.

"Jean-Michel did a great design for us," Lisa says.

"Beforehand the practice was quite boxy and pigeon hole-ish. He moved the kitchen, fitted more chairs in for patients, and even created a waiting section with a video about laser eye surgery for patients who are making a decision about whether to have the procedure done."

A new colour palette was chosen, the reception space increased, even a glass feature wall to not only decorate, but to section off an eye screening area was installed – and it was all done at breakneck speed within three weeks, without any compromise on quality.

"We had a very narrow timeframe for the work to be done," Lisa explained.

"It had to be completed over Christmas as we needed to reopen within three weeks. And we did. The work went on for three weeks exactly.

"Jean-Michel and his team were great to work with; even if we had changes during the work, it was never a problem. We would definitely work with him again."

And all of the changes haven’t been lost on the eye surgery’s clients.

"We have had patients comment very favourably, plus the staff love it. The practice really feels new and fresh, it is a much better use of the space – Jean-Michel has managed to fit an enormous amount in," she added.