Whether it’s a newly acquired optical practice, or a well-established business needing a major facelift, the decision to renovate requires significant investment, planning and patience.
The problem becomes all the more difficult for independents who are required to do their own leg work, and often don’t have previous experience to draw on.
Three practice owners from across Australia talk to RHIANNON BOWMAN about their recent practice re-fits, detailing their very different experiences with tradespeople, budgets, timeframes, and design and functionality.
Part 1 – When one plan leads to another
What started out as a small project to improve the layout in a regional practice with a large floorplan turned into a major renovation that tripled in budget for Cameron Dyson who operates Dyson and Long, an independent optometry practice in Bairnsdale, Victoria.
Part 2 – Experienced renovators leave it to the experts
COVID-19 Stage 4 restrictions and a financial contribution from the landlord provided Steve Dinh (left) and Quent Wain, of Acuity Eyecare, with the ideal time to renovate an optometry practice in north-east Melbourne.
Part 3 – Tussling with a tight turnaround
When David Wallace, a former lens specialist, bought his first optometry practice in early 2020, he set himself the ambitious task of completing a renovation within a week before re-opening under his new ownership. He details the transformation of Mudgeeraba Optical, his independent practice on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
