The design welcomes the patient with an uncluttered, open-air feel. “We chose a local carpenter to build white wood cabinetry for a fresh, bright look as soon as you enter,” says Hatfield. “The seating is limited, encouraging patients to walk around. We typically guide them through each section and try to educate them.”

In designing the space, Hatfield says, “The idea was to make the frames the star of the show.”

From day one, Tradewinds has been selective about its vendors, prioritizing those that not only offer great product, but also “support the practice in order for us to deliver on our promises to patients.” The team loves to customize lens shapes and sizes in a drill-mount frame with the practice’s in-house edger.

The floor-to-ceiling glass-encased pretest room at Tradewinds Eye Care.

Pretest equipment at Tradewinds Eye Care Optical.

COVID-19 brought a number of enduring changes to Tradewinds, including shortening their hours, which “helped us develop more thorough explanations on almost all topics as we extended the length of a patient time slot. It also reduced our stress so we kept it!” says Hatfield.

The business strives for simplicity in the patient experience, as seen in its highly streamlined online booking feature, paperless check-in and Hatfield’s decision as the doctor to work with the patient in both the pretest and exam room.

Tradewinds Eye Care Optical owner Dr. Kendra Hatfield, center, with Optical Associate Angie Stinson, left, and Office Manager Sarah Sticco, right.

Hatfield’s Siberian Husky, Aspen, is a customer favorite at Tradewinds.

Hatfield says she wants everyone leaving with a smile and feeling better about themselves. “Kindness is contagious.”