Former retail space transformed into private eye care clinic
Transforming a former retail premises into a high-quality eye clinic, our first dedicated space for SEON Vision realizes the benefits of high street healthcare, offering ophthalmic services in a welcoming environment.
Eye care on the high street
The existing premises was a vacated ground-floor retail unit in a largely residential area of Kingston upon Thames, London. Significant re-configuration of the internal layout was required to create an optimised environment for the delivery of private ophthalmic care, including cataract and minor ophthalmic surgeries. 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.
A seating area partially divided by a full height timber screen, creates a more private waiting space.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing creates a light-filled waiting space.
Ensuring conformance with guidance
Achieving the high-performance 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.
One of the clinic's consulting rooms which doubles as a minor operations suite.
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.
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.
Medical Architecture has been the catalyst for this project, and we will never forget the kindness and support given.
The building's exterior and interior design have been coordinated to complement and strengthen the clinic’s brand identity.
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.