After seven years working in corporate-affiliated practices, Alisha Seger, OD, began to feel the entrepreneurial itch. She had not felt it strongly before; she had been content to focus on providing quality care to patients, which was enough. But slowly her view changed. “I decided I wanted to do something on my own,” she says.
She dipped her toes in by working as an associate three days a week at The Spectacle Shoppe in Franklin, Tennessee. After about eight months there, in 2017, the owner asked if she was interested in buying.
“I decided I was invested in the community I was in,” she says. “We were in a charming southern town. The practice was in a planned development of townhomes, condos and single-family homes with a primary care office, dentist and daycare. We were able to build up the clientele.”
SPACE LIMITED THE VISION
As Dr. Seger focused on learning the intricacies of running a practice and growing a presence in their community, she saw that the existing space was inadequate for her vision. At a modest 1,400 square feet, the office space limited her ability to offer a broader range of services and accommodate more patients. “We were so limited in our space – we couldn’t bring in more medical services,” she says.
Determined to expand, Dr. Seger embarked on a three-year journey to find a new space. She found it in new location, situated on a busy corner lot, with greater visibility and accessibility. Natural light floods the space, and it has ample parking, a bonus over the previous location.
She worked with eye care space designer Barbara Wright Designs and her contract designer Katrina Walker to bring her vision of a spa-like office that provides a boutique shopping experience to life. For one week in late May, the old location closed so staff could complete the move. She held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in late July.
MORE ROOM, MORE SERVICES
The expanded space, boasting 3,500 square feet, allowed her to double the number of exam lanes from two to four and expand the team to include another optometrist, Jason Chu, OD, who now works three days a week. She has brought in a visual field and optical coherence tomography equipment, as well as dry eye services. This expansion enabled the practice to see more patients per day, reducing backlogs and enhancing patient care.
The design of the new space was thoughtfully curated to provide a modern feel, featuring cool tones, natural light and local artwork. She painted the doors and door frames with Sherwin-Williams Waterloo to stand out from the light walls.
Her optical houses an expanded selection of frames, up from 600 to about 850, and includes more dispensing counters to streamline the process of fitting glasses. Dr. Seger and her team share the building with a dental office, maintaining a professional and collaborative atmosphere.
“With the bigger square footage, we can operate more effectively as a team,” says Dr. Seger. “It’s also a pretty space to come in and shop,” she says.
THE LOOK
A prominently displayed illuminated logo behind the reception desk enhances the The Spectacle Shoppe’s visibility. It also serves as a focal point and branding tool. Vinyl wallpaper brings dimension to the hallways, exam rooms and front desk area. Local artwork adorns the walls, bringing the focus back to the heart of Dr. Seger’s practice–serving the community.
She reflects on her journey with a sense of accomplishment and optimism. The expanded and modernized practice not only allows her to serve more people but also aligns with her vision of providing high-quality, accessible eye care to patients in the Franklin area. With her dedication and the support of her team, Dr. Seger continues to build a practice that she hopes will become a cornerstone of the community.
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