Kimberly Pham, OD, and Alyssa Garza, OD, started out as full-time ODs working for the same owner. They had met in passing and each had an idea to open their own practice, but neither wanted to go it alone. They grew to admire each other’s bedside manner and patient care having only met briefly. “We saw each other’s patients often and could tell a lot about their care through the way charts were done and what patients said,” says Dr. Garza.
More than a year later, Dr. Pham called Dr. Garza and asked, “Do you have a second to talk?” Two weeks later, over brunch, they decided to open a practice together. “We wanted patients to feel like they’re talking to a friend who happens to be an expert in eye care,” Dr. Pham says. In April 2024, their vision became a reality with Blink Boutique Eyecare + Eyewear, located in the heart of Georgetown, Texas, just north of Austin.
A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT
Working with iCare Advisors, the doctors transformed a 1,600-square-foot shell into a modern optometric practice with three exam lanes, a pretest room, a contact lens fitting area and an on-site lab. One exam lane is fully equipped for now, with plans to outfit the second and convert the third into a dry eye spa.
Dr. Garza and Dr. Pham envisioned a space that blended modern and approachable elements. “It was a fine line between being too vintage-feeling and too high-tech,” Dr. Garza says. “We wanted a space that didn’t feel out of reach for any patient.”
The design includes polished concrete floors, Dr. Garza’s favorite feature, which are complemented by warm accents in black, gold and cream. Exposed ceilings in the optical area add depth and visual interest, and the waiting room flows into the optical area, encouraging patients to browse while they wait. With large south-facing windows at the front of the practice, adding custom roll-down blinds was “a no-brainer,” Dr. Garza says.
DESIGN DECISIONS
Every detail of Blink Boutique reflects the doctors’ shared vision. Commercial grade sliding barn doors provide sound dampening and durability. A spur-of-the-moment swatch choice resulted in blue doors that have become a standout feature, while textured black-and-white wallpaper adds life to the exam rooms. “It’s all been a learning process,” Dr. Garza says. “We quickly realized one should not make a feature wall on the same wall the patient is reading the chart from!”
Optical displays were carefully designed to create the illusion of floating frames, with custom-built fixtures showcasing high-end frames. The black and gold accent chairs in the waiting area came from Wayfair, while the bench was repurposed from Dr. Garza’s living room. The bar-height table in the optical space features a durable, live-edge wooden finish and was found on Wayfair. Dr. Pham found chic mirrors at Ikea, and their splurge on a West Elm chandelier above the front desk ties the design together.
A neon logo sign behind the desk, custom-made by an Etsy artist, required painstaking effort from the electricians, but Dr. Garza says it was totally worth it. “Each letter had to be wired separately since it’s not just one big sign, but it’s probably my favorite feature in the office.” Another neon sign, a gift from Dr. Garza’s childhood friend, serves as an Instagram-worthy wall with the phrase “In the Blink of an Eye.”
The front door features the practice logo designed by Dr. Garza’s close friend/marketing and design professional Jose Torres. Dr. Garza’s crafty dad and stepmom created the vinyl lettering and logo stickers using their Cricut machine.
PATIENT-FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY AND CARE
Blink Boutique offers advanced diagnostic tools, including an Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging unit with tonometry, MYAH optical biometer and corneal topographer. The office also uses an Optikam for precise measurements, eliminating the need for repeat visits for lens adjustments.
The doctors emphasize a no-puff experience for patients and take most insurance plans, including Medicare, which comes in handy with their large number of patients from a nearby retirement community.
Their optician, Jay, is a cornerstone of the practice. “Jay does everything—opticianry, pretesting and lens edging,” says Dr. Garza. “We worked with Jay before and knew they had to be part of this journey.” The doctors also credit their success to iCare Advisors, Vision Source and their contractors, plus their supportive families, including Dr. Pham’s husband who they call their “work-for-free handyman and IT guy.”
EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE
Both doctors say opening their own place has given them more freedom with scheduling and spending time with their families. Dr. Pham, a self-proclaimed foodie and Disney fanatic, enjoys the freedom to explore new recipes and restaurants. Dr. Garza, who treasures time with her daughter, Ava, values the fact that she can make her own schedule as needed.
“We wouldn’t change a thing about the process—or the people along the way,” Dr. Garza says. “They make it fun to be at work and that is a blessing.”
GET THE LOOK |
Exam lane wallpaper: Desert Peak by Genon, color “White Sands” |
Instagram feature wall: Newburg Green by Benjamin Moore |
Optical walls, exam lanes and hallway: Chantilly Lace OC-65 by Benjamin Moore |
Optical walls and behind front desk: Raccoon Fur by Benjamin Moore |
Back hallway: White Truffle by Sherwin Williams |
Connect with Dr. Garza, Dr. Pham and Blink Boutique Eyecare + Eyewear online:
Instagram: @blinkgeorgetown
Facebook: Blink boutique eyecare + eyewear
See other design stories from WO here.
Would you like to share your remodel/relocation/new practice or office refresh story with WO readers? Email us here.