Pop-up for patients

Harpenden-based independent Skye Optometrists continued to see patients during its recent refurbishment at a pop-up shop (pictured) next door to the practice.

Before the refurbishment, the practice had to take patients to an annex to carry out sight tests when the main building’s testing rooms were full. The practice has now doubled in size with four testing rooms and a dedicated dispensing area.

Director and dispensing optician at Skye Optometrists, Nichola Mason, told OT: “We managed to carry on testing and could still do dispensing of glasses. We had our retail area set up in the pop-up shop. It was very minimal but customers really liked it.”

Speaking about the new practice, director and owner at Skye Optometrists, Gavin Rebello, added: “A big remit for us was for people to come in and feel relaxed and at home. They get a coffee on arrival and there’s plenty of space to browse.”