Dundas Optometry in Dundas, Ontario, celebrated one year in its new office space this August. It was a bittersweet move from its original location, where practice founder Betty Johnson, OD, opened the office in 1989. Over the years, the business grew from one room to half its building. Eventually, the office took over the whole building at 2,800 square feet. Yet even that size just wasn’t enough space as the practice continued to grow.
Mariam Hermiz, OD, recalls knowing a move was warranted when she joined the practice as an associate in 2017. “We got creative with the situation,” she says, laughing. “We loved that building. It had a lot of history.” Even with four exam lanes and multiple doctors, they would need to relocate to better serve their patients.
SECURING A NEW SPACE
Dr. Hermiz became a partner when Dr. Johnson retired in 2023. One of her first priorities, along with its current partners Laura Thomas, OD, and Katie Mann, OD, was to find a new space. It had to be accessible with better parking, as well as nearby the old office so that patients who love to walk to their appointments still could. Dundas is known as a retirement community. A larger space would make the experience easier for their geriatric segment of the patient base, some of whom use a walker or wheelchair for easier mobility.
There was some flexibility with five years left on their lease, but they knew that options were limited with their requirements. When they found the new space, Dr. Hermiz says they jumped for it and broke out of their lease early. Just two blocks away and 4,000 square feet, the new home of Dundas Optometry was still in a desirable location just outside the center of town.
The whole process from finding the space to moving in took about a year to their opening day in August 2024. “One of the biggest things that helped was having partners,” Dr. Hermiz says. “We support each other. Each person divides and conquers, and it brings us together with a great result.”
MODERN AND HOMEY
The partners wanted to update their practice style and make it more modern, but incorporating its history was important, too. Dr. Hermiz says a common theme among practice reviews was that patients felt at home when they came into the original office. The style needed to reflect that the same type of care would be provided in the new space.
Dr. Hermiz and her partners worked with Frank Carpino with Eye Evolve Design, considering other modern designs and award-winning spaces as they built their own unique space. The final design molds a bright, modern upgrade with slightly softer edges to keep a family-friendly vibe. Dr. Hermiz says that it was important that the style represented how “the team really cares about each other and the patients.”
The white throughout the space is complemented with the orange and purple from the practice logo. Frank also introduced a sage green color to the mix, of which Dr. Hermiz admits she questioned at first. She says when it all came together, the partners grew to love it. “It added a homey, natural feel,” she says. And, after the fact, they realized it was a nice add to the design transition as accents of that green had also been in the old space. “I think we did achieve what we wanted—a modern, bright and bigger space that still carries the same values as in the previous office: We are here to take care of you.”
It’s evident in all the little details, not overlooking options like making an accessible bathroom that includes a nice, functional changing table. As a new mom, Dr. Hermiz knows that her patient base will appreciate that.
POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
The team is proud of the positive feedback it receives about the new office, its accessibility and improved parking. Patients have been wowed and regularly comment that they love the beautiful new space. That response makes all the hard work worth it.
The move was a big change for everyone, says Dr. Hermiz, especially those doctors and staff who have been with the business for decades. While there were stressful moments, they look back and now know it was the right decision. “It was an exciting experience and move, having the choices on this design together,” says Dr. Hermiz. “Now we have the right space to support our patients.”
The partners have even taken into consideration some constructive feedback to improve the space for its patient base. For example, the pretesting space in the new office was made with glass walls. Some patients weren’t comfortable with being visible in that way while being pretested. “When we got that comment back, we said, ‘No problem—we can work on that.’” To keep the open feel with the glass walls, they added a frosted design to add more privacy.
WORKING TOWARDS NEW GOALS
The team currently has eight doctors—a combination of full time and part time—and lots of room to work and grow with 5 exam rooms and space for one more.
The partners are ticking away at their list of goals for the expanded space, starting with a larger optical. Previously, that space had been very small and was located where it could easily be overlooked. Now the optical blends into the rest of the space with a much larger offering. There are still price points for everyone, but they’ve added new brands and more variety. They are constantly perfecting the presentation. “It’s been quite successful. Everyone wants options. Some are looking for fashion, some are looking for function, and most are looking for both. Our goal is to keep growing in that area with the type of frames we carry.”
They also have more space to dedicate to specialty services such as myopia management. Dr. Hermiz says that they also plan to expand their specialty contact lens services now that there is more space to teach patients. The possibilities are endless when serving a generational patient base. “I’ll see a grandma and her daughter and her grandkids. It’s phenomenal when you build those relationships,” says Dr. Hermiz.
Connect with Dundas Optometry online:
Instagram: @dundasoptometryclinic
Facebook: Dundas Optometry
| GET THE LOOK |
| Walls: Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist (9166)
MDF Panels (and inspiration for other green accents): AGT Soft Touch Relax Green (735) |
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