In August 2024, Toral Patel, OD, opened Radiance Eye Care in Maynard, Massachusetts, marking a new chapter in her nearly 20-year career. While she’s spent much of that time in collaborative OD/MD settings and teaching at a hospital, Radiance Eye Care is uniquely her own—a blend of personal inspiration and professional dedication.
The practice’s slogan, “Thank you for being a friend,” is a nod to the iconic TV show The Golden Girls. Paintings of the four beloved characters adorn the office, with Sophia’s portrait humorously placed in the bathroom, often sparking laughter from patients. This playful design choice reflects more than just nostalgia; it embodies the welcoming, comfortable atmosphere Dr. Patel strives to create.
“The office reflects the power of legacy,” she explains. “Both my parents are opticians, and I grew up in an optical shop. I’d go there after school, and it felt almost inevitable that I’d follow in their footsteps.” Opening Radiance Eye Care wasn’t just for herself, she says. It was a tribute to her parents’ influence, a way to honor their years of hard work in the industry.
SPIRITUAL AND PERSONAL SYMBOL
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The name Radiance itself carries deep significance for Dr. Patel. “Radiance represents our third eye, intuition and spirituality,” she says. “It also refers to the sun, which ties into warmth and light. When I was deciding on a name, my husband said it also describes me, which made the choice feel even more right.”
Living nearby, Dr. Patel had long envisioned opening a practice in this particular location. Situated in a plaza that opened in 2020, with grocery stores, gyms and a retirement home and new communities nearby, it felt like the perfect fit.
But the planning really took off after a road trip in August 2023. She had become acquainted with the work of iCare Advisors and the consultants who help cold start practices. On that trip, she and her husband listened to one of the group’s podcast. “I thought, ‘I can do this,’” she recalls. “I didn’t always think I wanted to own my own practice, but the timing was perfect. My kids are teens now, so they didn’t need me in quite the same way and as much as when they were younger.”
PERSONALIZED PATIENT EXPERIENCE
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Dr. Patel’s goal for her patients is simple: to provide a calm and caring environment. “The optical is important, but the medical side is what I love. Treating eye diseases is just as important as helping people find the perfect pair of eyeglasses,” she says. “I want to spend time with my patients, listening to their needs and ensuring their vision is at its best.”
Despite being open only four days a week and working part-time at the hospital, Dr. Patel’s practice has had a great start. The grand opening was in mid-October, about six weeks after she opened the doors. She’s getting positive reviews on local Facebook pages from people she’s never even met. The small-town support is something she deeply appreciates, and she’s determined to make every patient feel valued and heard.
Dr. Patel runs Radiance Eye Care with the help of just one staff member, an ophthalmic tech who handles everything from assisting with patients to managing daily operations. “It’s just the two of us for now, but when the time comes, I’ll add another team member and expand the schedule.”
It’s also a bit of a family affair. Her teenagers join in for inventory, and they’re naturals at some of the social media posts.
Radiance Eye Care is more than just a new business venture; it’s a reflection of Dr. Patel’s journey, her family’s legacy, and her deep commitment to patient care.
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Get the Look: Radiance Eye Care’s Design Aesthetic
Radiance Eye Care’s design is both modern and personal. For those inspired by Dr. Patel’s vision, here’s how to capture the look:
- Walls: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. “I designed a house in Arizona, and I love this color. It makes everything on the walls pop.”
- Ceiling: Benjamin Moore Raccoon. “It’s a brownish-gray that doesn’t darken the space but avoids the industrial feel of black.”
- Flooring: Laminate that looks like polished concrete, adding a sleek, contemporary touch.
Dr. Patel’s attention to detail extends beyond just the medical care—her love for design and creating a welcoming environment is apparent in every corner of her practice, from the custom lights to the doorknobs that include sunbursts and the artwork carefully chosen for each space.
See other design stories here.
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