Medical Architecture transform retail space into private eye care clinic
Transforming a former retail premises into a high-quality ophthalmic clinic, this first dedicated space for SEON Vision offers private eye care in a distinctive and tailored environment.

Designed by Medical Architecture, the clinic realises the benefits of high street healthcare, combining technical compliance with a welcoming interior to provide a positive patient experience.

Eye care on the high street
The premises for the private clinic 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 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.

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.

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.

Design: Medical Architecture
Contractor: Hanevo
M&E Engineers: RSP Consulting Engineers
Photography: Richard Chivers