Best Practice Eyecare

The success of the Best Practice Eyecare fitout can be attributed not only to the aesthetic and functional elements but also to the thoughtful design planning principles that were implemented to streamline operations and ensure a positive patient experience from start to finish.

Clinical Nurse Manager Emily Karper was instrumental in space planning the practice’s needs. She worked closely with Elite’s design team to customise a layout that plays a pivotal role in creating a practice that ensures smooth internal operations, enabling staff to work efficiently without disruption. It was important for the space to be designed where patients are continuously guided through their visit, without unnecessary backtracking or confusion.

1. Clear Wayfinding with Strategic Colour Use

The careful integration of Best Practice Eyecare bold branding colours – blue, yellow, and deep grey – into the wayfinding strategy played a significant role. These high-contrast colours were deployed thoughtfully, making it easy for patients to navigate through the practice without hesitation.

From the entrance to consultation rooms and back to reception, the strategic use of colour around Waiting Rooms ensures that the flow of movement in helping patients feel confident about their next steps in the journey.

2. Flow and Movement: Minimising Backtracking

A key challenge in healthcare design is ensuring that patients don’t feel like they’re waiting too long for their appointments or doubling backing and retracing their steps unnecessarily.

By considering both the spatial layout and wayfinding elements, the design ensured that the patient journey was linear and cohesive. For example, the reception area was clearly defined, with thoughtful transitions into the Waiting Rooms and Consult Areas, eliminating the need for patients to backtrack to the front desk after their appointments.

Clear signage and distinct floor material transitions – from the timber-look vinyl to the concrete-look vinyl and carpet – further signified the shift from common areas to clinical zones or waiting zones, enhancing clarity and directing the patient flow seamlessly.

3. Patient-Centred Layout with Comfortable Waiting Areas

The design of the reception and waiting areas was integral in creating a calming atmosphere and supporting efficient patient movement. By ensuring ample seating and visual cues that guided patients to the next step in their journey, the layout made the waiting experience feel less like a pause and more like a part of a holistic process. Soft furniture and homely touches in the waiting areas helped patients feel at ease, reducing anxiety and contributing to a calm atmosphere before consultations began.

4. Flexibility with Functional Zones

The addition of the rear alfresco area was more than just a unique design feature; it provided much-needed flexibility. This outdoor space allowed for multiple uses, from staff breaks to providing a restful spot for patients to relax. The alfresco space became an extension of the overall calming atmosphere, ensuring that the practice felt less clinical and more accommodating. Its location, easily accessible via the lift from the parking area, further ensured that patients had easy access without needing to navigate back to the front of the practice.

5. Attention to Detail for Comfort and Practicality

Every material choice was made with both function and comfort in mind. The use of high-quality finishes such as ribbed joinery details and stone accents add visual appeal and texture, while also reinforcing the practice’s quality feel. The attention to detail, from the seating in the waiting areas to the practical yet elegant joinery in the consultation rooms, meant that both patients and staff can enjoy a pleasant, efficient experience.

6. Operational Efficiency Through Strategic Space Planning

The layout of the practice was designed to ensure smooth internal operations, enabling staff to work efficiently without disruption. The consultation rooms were carefully positioned to ensure minimal disruption to the flow of patients, while the clinical areas remained distinct from public spaces, ensuring that the practice maintained its professional environment without sacrificing patient comfort.

The transformation of Best Practice Eyecare is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in enhancing both patient experience and operational efficiency. By integrating clear wayfinding, strategic space planning, and patient-centred design elements, Elite has created a practice that not only looks exceptional but also functions seamlessly. Every detail—from the intuitive flow of movement to the calming waiting areas—was carefully considered to support both staff and patients, ensuring a stress-free, welcoming, and highly efficient environment. This project highlights how purposeful design can elevate healthcare spaces, reinforcing Best Practice Eyecare’s commitment to delivering outstanding patient care.