Opticians’ premises used to be about as inspiring as dentists’ waiting rooms, with faded wall displays showing the parts of the eye. Things have changed a lot recently and interior designer Lynx is predicting that the pace of change is going to accelerate.
In the future, going to the optician will be a high-tech, high-fashion experience.
The first seven seconds count
According to design specialists, a patient forms an opinion of a dental or optical practice in the first seven seconds of entering the premises. Opticians can be more innovative and playful than dentists, as by and large visiting the optician is less stressful and the décor does not need to calm nervous patients.
Practices have been understandably focused on ensuring they have good optician management software, such as http://blinkoms.co.uk/, and a great website and social media presence; however, some have neglected to ensure that the actual practice is as well designed as the website. Some really stunning pictures showing cutting-edge design could make all the difference in increasing footfall, with the era of the eye poster well and truly over.
A recent report in Optometry Today confirms this and warns that opticians and optometrists could be left behind if they do not keep up with trends. Opticians tend not to be over-excitable and many take a fairly sceptical view of developments such as smart glasses and frames printed with 3D images; however, the report emphasises that customers are interested in these developments, even if they actually choose a traditional pair of spectacles dispensed in the usual way.
Programmable lighting in every colour
Frame displays will continue to have built-in lighting; however, the increasing use of LED, the ability to programme lighting displays and the use of changing light colours mean that opticians will have far more options when it comes to designing visually-inspiring premises. They won’t be stuck with one design or light level and will be able to programme the lighting to deliver different atmospheres and moods according to time of day, season or weather.
Melamine has also had its day. Forward-thinking premises are using top-end materials such as quartz, unusual timbers and highly-coloured solid acrylics.
With specialist software dealing with the business end of the practice, the high-tech and efficiently run practice is finally here.