Office Design

Brewing a New Vision: Where Comprehensive Care Meets Cappuccinos

Drs. Bintz and Ellis Vision Source in Elk City, OK

Photos courtesy of Dr. Daniel Bintz

By Daniel Bintz, OD and Scott Ellis, OD

March 17, 2026

Built in 2018, Drs. Bintz and Ellis Vision Source in Elk City, Oklahoma, is the product of years of purposeful planning and inspiration, with patient experience, community connection and thoughtful design at its core. The journey began in 2016 when we purchased the lot.

Bringing our vision to life required a trusted hand. We partnered with a longtime family friend and Oklahoma City designer Brent Gibson—the same creative mind behind our 1987 clinic. Using nothing more than a sheet of copy paper, the initial concept took shape as a rectangle filled with circles representing offices, exam rooms and key functional areas. From the onset, the guiding philosophy was clear: a Disney-inspired patient experience. Welcome patients at the front, guide them seamlessly through care and end at the gift shop—which, in our case, is the optical area.

Following preliminary architectural drawings, a contractor was brought on to refine the plans. We traveled to Eye Designs in Pennsylvania, where we selected custom furnishings and styles that harmonize with a layout optimized for both flow and aesthetic.

A LOCAL LANDMARK IN THE MAKING

Beyond clinical care, our most distinctive features of the office grew from an inspired pivot. What began as a standard refreshment area sparked a bigger and better vision: an in-house coffee shop. Prioritizing community over competition, we invited a longtime patient and local coffee shop owner to expand into our space, operating independently within our facility.

A year of smooth sailing was interrupted by the pandemic. Foot traffic vanished for both the clinic and the coffee shop, and with her daughter heading to college, our coffee shop partner began seeking a path toward greater stability. Recognizing an opportunity to support a friend while preserving our vision, we purchased the equipment, rebranded the shop as Eye Opener Coffee & Smoothie House and brought her on as a full-time staff member with health care benefits, retirement options and a steady salary.

Since its rebrand, Eye Opener has evolved into a local destination, drawing both patients and travelers from I-40 and historic Route 66. We have expanded our menu with smoothies and snacks to cater to after-school crowds and families traveling from up to 60 miles away. For those with a long drive home, Eye Opener offers a welcome and delicious on-site convenience.

VOTED #1 IN TOWN

To build community and a sense of fun, we distribute custom poker-chip tokens for complimentary drinks—a hit with patients and the staff of three neighboring medical clinics. This local popularity is matched by our digital reach. Eye Opener is the top-rated coffee shop on DoorDash—our greatest savior during the pandemic—while our clinic has been voted the community’s number one practice for the past two years.

Today, the coffee shop is run by its original owner, her sister and her daughter, who serve as lead baristas. They keep the menu playful, surprising patients and regulars alike with specials like a pineapple Dole Whip-inspired smoothie and a Stitch-themed smoothie (think lots of blueberries). And that creativity extends into our clinic with seasonal favorites like our “pumpkin spice eye exams” each fall. In the same spirit of community celebration, we joined the Route 66 Association for the highway’s 100^th anniversary and will offer a commemorative mug paired with a classic root beer float starting in April through the end of the year.

Eye Opener Coffee & Smoothie House in Elk City, OK

Customers grabbing a beverage and snack at the cafe.

Fellow optometrists frequently ask me two questions about Eye Opener: “Is it a money maker?” and “Is it messy?” The short answer to both is no. The reality is that it is a powerhouse for patient satisfaction. By treating this as a brand extension rather than a side project, we’ve created a culture that patients rave about. Yes, spills happen—but they are a small price to pay for the immense goodwill generated among patients, staff and reps alike. We’re located in Elk City, right between Amarillo and Oklahoma City. Come grab a drink and see the impact for yourself.

Read more on patient engagement here.

Read more on office design here.

Daniel Bintz, OD, launched his private practice in 1984 in Western Oklahoma. He has been heavily involved in local, state and national volunteer organizations including the AOA, Vision Council and the American Diabetes Association. He is the co-developer of Acuity Pro Digital Acuity Systems.

Scott Ellis, OD, served as an optometrist in the U.S. Army prior to joining Dr. Bintz. He has served in leadership roles in various local and state organizations including Boy Scouts of America.