Lenses take the lead in one New Orleans practice’s new branded design

combine the practice of David Heitmeier, O.D., with KODAK Lens, and the result is two unique branded office locations that put spectacle lenses in the spotlight.

The backstory to this collaboration is interesting, too.

In 2005, Dr. Heitmeier’s New Orleans location was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. He rebuilt—and expanded into retinal and ophthalmology services—all while holding a seat in the Louisiana Senate for two terms, where he served as the chairman of the Health & Welfare Committee.

First Collab

In 2013, Dr. Heitmeier took over a second and previously failing office in nearby Marrero, LA. He’d enjoyed a long and valued relationship with Signet Armorlite, and at this time, the lens company proposed a collaborative venture.

The result was the groundbreaking KODAK Lens/Heitmeier Eyecare location in Marrero. The concept was so impactful that the practice’s volume grew from four patients a day (when he bought it) to 35 to 40 a day after it reopened.

Fast-forward two years later, and Dr. Heitmeier was now ready to also renovate his original location in New Orleans. Signet Armorlite proposed working together again, so his daughter, Leah Heitmeier, O.D., and Signet Armorlite Strategic Growth Manager Brian Glass developed the concept and brought it to life.

Look + Feel

“My favorite thing is the optical Leah and Brian created,” says Dr. Heitmeier. “It’s open and clean, plus the patient flow is much better. And, transitions are seamless.

“Since we’re ophthalmology as well as optometry,” he adds, “KODAK’s tagline, ‘See the Colors of Life,’ is perfect for our patients with conditions like diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.”

Design Deets

To learn more, we chatted with Glass about the process.

OPEN DESIGN: “The interior was designed to provide a clear, understandable path for patients. By creating clear shopping experience zones, patients can roam and enjoy the retail environment at their own pace.”

OPTICAL BAR. “Dr. Leah Heitmeier was a proponent of creating a focal point, and we decided that an open bar would be a perfect fit.”

ART, WITH A MESSAGE. “Behind the bar is a huge customized mural that displays lifestyle images from the KODAK Lens library of experiences. Each was selected to represent the cultural makeup of the neighborhoods the practice serves.”

LENSES. “We communicate the benefits of KODAK lens designs with two brand pillars that educate patients: Simplicity and Seeing the Colors of Life.”

EDUCATION. “We simplify purchase decisions with straightforward sales and educational aids. Each piece is bolstered by bright color—including the bold, colorful lifestyle images in wall art and the bright colors on the frame board headers and walls.”

LENS CENTER. “The KODAK Lens Educational Center, a two-sided, freestanding display, is the practice’s merchandising centerpiece. The Lens Center portion is actually a hands-on demonstration. Patients can pick up each frame to demo the effects of the lens solutions.”

LIGHTING. “In Dr. Heitmeier’s Marrero location, we built the retail area adjacent to a large bank of tinted windows that let in diffused light. We worked with this natural light to illuminate the semi-opaque acrylic wall boards. Then, we added four-way LED side lighting to each of the boards.”

With these fresh changes, and a branded approach with a focus on lenses, business at both of Dr. Heitmeier’s locations is bright, indeed.

—Stephanie K. De Long