A new luxury optometry office located outside of Chicago shares pointers for eyecare professionals to successfully claim their space.

The executive team at Eversee Boutique Eyecare, located in a high-end design district in Winnetka, IL, has high standards for its care and its optical products—and its space reflects an elevated approach.

“We started planning for the store design in April 2022, eight months before we opened,” says Eversee owner Marisa Kowalsky, MBA. “The most important elements were how the customer felt in the space and how they interacted with the product.”

Looking to ace these elements? Here, we reveal three tips.

Keep It Cool.

“We wanted people to feel like they were in a comfortable, welcoming space, almost like their coolest friend’s living room—where they would reach out for the product naturally and have conversations with the optician and doctors organically,” says Kowalsky.

This was achieved by removing the “clutter” of signage/branding and excessive frame board space and focusing on chic mirrors and forest-inspired wallpaper.

Lead With Light.

The lighting was paramount at Eversee to achieve a warm ambiance, successfully showcase product, and to cater to the needs of clientele.

“[An LED lighting system] allows us to adjust the environment for patients that may have sensory issues,” says Kowalsky, “who we often see as part of the neuro-optometry specialty of the practice.”

Do Your Research.

Because they were new to the area, Eversee’s team did market research on other goods being purchased in the district and what their value proposition was for the community. The findings?

“Quality craftsmanship, high-level design, and a mix of price point options served the potential buyers’ needs,” says Kowalsky.

To not overwhelm customers with too many options, they keep their frame selection on the smaller side (with a curated mix from 10 brands) and let the customer lead the way.

“The use of shelving and display elements that are not behind glass or hidden away allow for a customer-led experience,” Kowalsky shares.