Nestled in Long Beach, California, just steps from the Pacific Coast Highway and a short drive from the Pacific Ocean, Frame + Sight Optometry brings a touch of coastal serenity to the eye care space, created by Christine Truong, OD.
THE JOURNEY TO OWNERSHIP
Dr. Truong earned her bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of California—Irvine and graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in 2016. She always dreamed of opening her own space, but after graduating with debt and moving back to the high cost of living in SoCal, “opening cold seemed impossible,” she says. She spent a few years working in corporate optometry before having her daughter in 2021. And, as a new mom, “my priorities changed. I wanted to gain control of my time and spend more time with my family.”
So when their daughter was just a few months old, Dr. Truong and her husband, Wilson, embarked on a journey to find the ideal location for her practice. They started their search in August 2021 and, after an initial lease fell through, they found their current space in a plaza undergoing revitalization post-pandemic, just 20 minutes from their home. “We loved the location,” says Dr. Truong. “Plus, being right in the middle of two major counties—Orange and Los Angeles—we serve a wide range of patients.” With a Pacific Coast Highway address adding a touch of coastal charm to the practice’s marketing endeavors, the location was just what they had envisioned. Other businesses in the plaza including a nail salon, yoga studio, Trader Joe’s and various restaurants.
The space itself was a blank canvas, having been closed for over a year. With the help of Karina K Designs, Dr. Truong transformed it from an empty shell into a chic optometry office. “We started demolition in May 2023 and took it all the way down to dirt,” she says. Working with iCare Advisors for guidance and GC OptoMed Design & Construction—a general contractor experienced in creating optometry offices— the process was rewarding. “We executed our plans relatively seamlessly,” she says. “It felt easy.”
CREATING A SPA-LIKE EXPERIENCE
Dr. Truong envisioned a practice that would be both inviting and calming—a departure from the typical clinical feel. “I wanted the space to feel like me,” she says. She curated her design inspiration through Pinterest, collaborating closely with Karina K Designs to bring her vision to life. “I’m kind of nitpicky, but not when working with people who share my vision. I sent the team members my Pinterest board, and they came back with the design. I had very few changes. We were on the same page and I immediately trusted them.”
The result is a 1,200-square-foot office designed with a neutral palette of beige and white, accented with green, gold and black. The flooring is luxury vinyl tile designed to mimic concrete, adding a modern touch. Vertical wood beams create an eye-catching accent wall behind the front desk, which features a custom wood front and a sleek countertop. Lighting plays a significant role in setting the ambiance, with gold light fixtures in the optical area and black matte lights outside to keep the walkway well-lit at night.
The frame displays, sourced from Ikea, make room for up to 400 frames and include lighting under each shelf to highlight the curated selection of frames, including high-end lines like Gucci and Saint Laurent, and independent frame lines like Salt, Modo and Etnia Barcelona. “We wanted to give patients specialty options that they may not be able to find at other optical shops or retail stores,” Dr. Truong says.
FUNCTIONALITY AND TECHNOLOGY
Functionality was just as crucial as aesthetics in Dr. Truong’s design. The layout includes two exam lanes—one fully equipped and the other dedicated to dry eye treatments, myopia management and specialty contact lens fittings.
The exam lanes feature custom-made cabinetry with brass fixtures and hold state-of-the-art technology. This includes Topcon equipment such as the CV-5000 auto phoropter, CA-800 corneal analyzer and topographer and Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging. The practice also offers Olleyes virtual field testing and a radiofrequency machine for advanced treatments for patients with dry eye or meibomian gland dysfunction.
ADDING PERSONAL TOUCHES
To soften the space and add a personal touch, Dr. Truong incorporated plants throughout the practice. Many of these were sourced from a local plant market. “Plants are a main feature in the practice,” she says. She’s found a new hobby as she adds more plants to the practice, often YouTubing how to take care of a picky Pilea or a demanding money tree. Neutral-colored ceramic and terra cotta vases filled with greenery and black mirrors strategically placed throughout the office add to the serene environment she aimed to create. A black lucky cat sits in the optical area for a touch of good fortune.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PRACTICE OWNERS
Dr. Truong’s journey to opening Frame + Sight Optometry was not without its challenges, but she emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance along the way. “You don’t have to do it alone,” she advises. “Find the right mentor to help guide you and go through an advisor group that shares your vision. I surprised myself through this process. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged myself.”
| Get the Look |
| Optical walls: White Dove by Benjamin Moore |
| Exam lanes: Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore |
| Hallway wall: October Mist by Benjamin Moore |
Find Dr. Truong and Frame + Sight Optometry online:
Instagram @frameandsight
Facebook @Frame + Sight Optometry
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