CClearly Optometrist
Sunnyside, New York — 2,500 sq ft — Completed August 2017

When Dr. Cavallaro decided to open her first optometry practice, she wanted a space that reflected both her professionalism and her connection to the Sunnyside community she’s served for years. The challenge: transforming an abandoned café and art gallery into a modern, welcoming, and fully functional optometry office, all on a limited budget.

The result is CClearly Optometrist, a bright and stylish neighborhood clinic that feels more like a boutique than a medical office. Warm wood tones, solid-surface counters, and metal display shelving give the space a refined yet approachable personality. Large artwork in calming hues and geometric pendant lights add a touch of creativity and warmth.

The store’s layout places the customer service counter at the center, ensuring every visitor is greeted immediately. Wall-mounted displays keep the retail area open and accessible, while the exam room, pretest area, and ADA-compliant bathroom are tucked neatly toward the back for privacy and workflow efficiency.

Despite cost pressures and complex existing conditions, smart decisions, such as using and refinishing affordable furniture,  kept the project within budget while delivering a custom look. The design also reconfigured the old restroom into a multi-use lab and kitchenette, maximizing function without expanding the footprint.

Flooded with natural light from tall ceilings and accented by focused track lighting, the finished space feels warm, calm, and modern.

For Dr. Cavallaro, CClearly is more than her first business, it’s a reflection of her care for her patients and her community. What was once an abandoned storefront is now a welcoming local fixture where neighbors come for excellent care and leave with both new eyewear and a smile.

The project was a collaboration between Redwoods Design Studio Architect and Deborah King McGowan, who is an accomplished interior designer and a local resident.