Medical Architecture transformed a former retail space into SEON Vision’s ophthalmic clinic.
The premises for the private clinic was a vacated ground-floor retail unit in a largely residential area of Kingston upon Thames, London. Significant reconfiguration of the internal layout was required to create an optimised environment for the delivery of ophthalmic care, including cataract and minor ophthalmic surgeries.
The clinic’s key spaces include three consultation rooms, a laser room, a diagnostic room, an operating theatre, and a post-surgery recovery space. To ensure efficient use of the existing space, the accommodation was split into zones and arranged to optimise patient and staff flows.
The entrance and waiting zone have been designed to support comfort and wellbeing. The design boasts a bespoke reception desk with an organic sculptural form and feature lighting. Full height timber screens divide the waiting space, providing a choice of more open and private areas.
Achieving the technical requirements of an ophthalmic clinic in a former retail space required detailed planning. Careful coordination mitigated the constraints of the existing structure, including the restrictive location of structural beams, to ensure ceiling heights were optimised for the functionality of key clinical spaces.
The location, scale and appearance of mechanical and electrical components were carefully considered to remain inconspicuous, whilst ensuring compliance with HBN and HTM guidance for CQC registration.
Due to limited space, a ceiling-void-mounted mechanical ventilation heat recovery system was incorporated to achieve the recommended air change rates.
The interior design intends to complement and strengthen the clinic’s professional and welcoming brand identity. The designers added that dark timber elements and soft organic tones contribute to a sense of calm with an emphasis on holistic wellbeing.
They said that, given the particular needs of the patient group, attention was paid to accessibility for those with a visual impairment. Material colours and finishes were selected to comply with guidance that ensures adequate visual contrast between building surfaces and their surrounding areas. For example, the dark timber finish to the wall protection, doors and cupboards ensures that the recommended point difference in Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is achieved.
As the clinic is located next to a Grade 2 listed building, St. Peter’s Church, the extent of external alterations were kept to a minimum. This included simple and appropriately scaled signage.
Hun Pu, Project architect at Medical Architecture, said: “It has been a hugely rewarding journey working closely with the client to realise their vision for world-class eye care on the high street. It was clear from the start that their ambition was to deliver the best patient experience with excellence and precision. They trusted us to transform this unassuming, yet challenging building into an accessible and well-designed space that complements the quality of treatment provided.”
Mohsin Patel and Nizar Din, consultant ophthalmologists at SEON Vision, said: “The importance of working with the right architects is evident when treating our patients; we are reminded that it does not feel like a ‘clinic’ but a real welcoming atmosphere with the clinical aspects in the background.”
The project was completed in January 2025.
- Client: SEON Vision
- Architects: Medical Architecture
- Contractor: Hanevo
- M&E Engineers: RSP Consulting Engineers
- Quantity Surveyor: Mortimer Isaacs (Stage 1-2)
- Quantity Surveyor & Employer’s Agent: LH&E Cost Consultancy (Stages 3-6)
- Acoustics Engineer: Nova Acoustics
- Fire Engineer: CHPK Fire Engineering
- CQC Consultant: Healthcare Regulation Solutions
