When I moved to London 20 years ago, I fell in love with west London due to its proximity to Springbank Park, the Thames River, Warbler Woods, and the Komoka Provincial Park nature trials where my family and I could recharge anytime.
What drew you and your business to this exciting west London gateway community?
“Access to Hwy 402 and Hwy 401 from this part of the city was a huge draw, along with its quick access to downtown London businesses and services. When the state-of-the-art Sifton Centre and its West 5 community development were built with the ambitious goals of net zero energy use, I felt an immediate connection and desire to bring my eyecare services to this new environmentally conscious initiative in London, Ontario.”
Can you describe your experience in designing/building your business roots here in West 5?
“Sifton Centre with its contemporary form, eco-consciousness and abundance of windows was the inspiration of my new practice location, West 5 Optometry. My designer, Joe Mesa, (Mesa Design Studio in Toronto, Ontario) and I took our 1300 square feet unit and created an intimate but full-service optometric eye health clinic along with a boutique optical to bring leading edge eye care services to the community of West 5, Warbler Woods and Riverbend. Our design incorporated similar clean lines, contemporary colours and full use of the windows while showcasing the neighbourhood community at the same time. We also incorporated our own goals of taking the practice paperless from Day 1.”
How do you feel your expertise in your area of business will add value to West 5 as you grow to be a community partner?
“From leading a community optometry practice in Whitby, Ontario in the 1990’s to co-founding Old South Optometry, an eyecare practice in the beautiful Wortley community of South London in 2007, I have a long track record of integrating myself and my eyecare expertise into the community in which I work. Bringing leading edge full spectrum eyecare and optical services to the West 5 community shows my commitment to the current and future residents and business owners that the West 5 Optometry Team is ready to become active participants in the self-sustainable vibrant West 5 community at all levels (i.e. retail, community events, community services). We are committed to the West 5 experiences: live. work. inspire. shop. play.”
How has Sifton supported your business so far?
“From initially looking at different West 5 retail space options to the final moment of signing a lease and managing leasehold improvements, I dealt with an extensive but very professional, conscientious team of Sifton representatives. Even with COVID-19 shutdowns, delays and service restrictions, my final West 5 Optometry Sifton build-out and move-in date was delayed a couple months only proving their commitment to me as a new Tenant. Sifton has always handled my legal and financial matters efficiently and effectively allowing me excellent oversight of my responsibilities as a tenant. From Day 1, Richard Sifton and his team have shown personal and professional support of my entire eyecare team and the professional services and we are excited to reciprocate the same.”
Be sure to visit West 5 Optometry on Facebook and Instagram to welcome them to our West 5 community!
Located at: 1295 Riverbend Road – Unit 112
Phone Number: 519-474-4900