Healthcare design expert Medical Architecture has turned a former retail space into an ophthalmic clinic for SEON Vision.
This is SEON’s first dedicated space for eye care, and will treat ophthalmic care, including cataract and minor ophthalmic surgeries.
Being located around Kingston-Upon-Thames’ high street, in a largely residential area, the facility realises the benefits of community-based healthcare.
Medical Architecture said that “significant re-configuration” of the space’s internal layout was needed in order to create the optimised environment.
What is the layout of the eye care facility?
The clinic’s key clinical spaces include three consultation rooms, a laser room, a diagnostic room, an operating theatre, and a post-surgery recovery space.
To ensure efficient use of the existing space, the accommodation was split into zones and arranged to optimise patient and staff flows.
Upon arrival, the generous and light-filled entrance and waiting zone is designed to support comfort and wellbeing. A bespoke reception desk with an organic sculptural form and feature lighting provides a positive first impression.
Full height timber screens divide the waiting space, providing a choice of more open and private areas.
Full height timber screens divide the waiting space
What standards do eye care facilities have to meet?
Meeting technical requirements of an ophthalmic clinic in a former retail space required detailed planning.
Careful coordination mitigated the constraints of the existing structure—including the restrictive location of structural beams—to ensure ceiling heights were optimised for the functionality of key clinical spaces.
The location, scale and appearance of mechanical and electrical components were carefully considered to remain inconspicuous, whilst ensuring compliance with HBN and HTM guidance for CQC registration. Due to limited space, a ceiling-void-mounted mechanical ventilation heat recovery system was incorporated to achieve the recommended air change rates.
A distinctive environment and identity
Designed to complement and strengthen the clinic’s brand identity, the interior design creates a professional environment that is familiar and welcoming.
Dark timber elements and soft organic tones, contribute to a sense of calm with an emphasis on holistic wellbeing.
Given the particular needs of the patient group, attention has been paid to accessibility for those with a visual impairment. Material colours and finishes have been selected to comply with guidance that ensures adequate visual contrast between building surfaces and their surrounding areas.
For example, the dark timber finish to the wall protection, doors and cupboards ensures that the recommended point difference in Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is achieved.
Positive addition to the street
As the clinic is located next to a Grade 2 listed building, St. Peter’s Church, the extent of external alterations was kept to a minimum, with their appearance carefully considered to be sensitive to the surroundings. This included simple and appropriately scaled signage which is brand consistent and complementary to the existing building.
Hun Pu, Project Architect at Medical Architecture, said: “It has been a hugely rewarding journey working closely with the client to realise their vision for world-class eye care on the high street.
“It was clear from the start that [SEON’s] ambition was to deliver the best patient experience with excellence and precision. They trusted us to transform this unassuming, yet challenging building into an accessible and well-designed space that complements the quality of treatment provided.”
Mohsin Patel and Nizar Din, Consultant Ophthalmologists, SEON Vision, said: “The importance of working with the right architects is evident when treating our patients; we are reminded that it does not feel like a “clinic” but a real welcoming atmosphere with the clinical aspects in the background. Patients and visitors have found the clinic to be designed exceptionally, and we know that Medical Architecture were pivotal in producing the end result, as it set the foundation and the bar.”
Project team
- Client: SEON Vision
- Architects: Medical Architecture
- Contractor: Hanevo
- M&E Engineers: RSP Consulting Engineers
- Quantity Surveyor: Mortimer Isaacs (Stage 1-2)
- Quantity Surveyor & Employer’s Agent: LH&E Cost Consultancy (Stages 3-6)
- Acoustics Engineer: Nova Acoustics
- Fire Engineer: CHPK Fire Engineering
- CQC Consultant: Healthcare Regulation Solutions