EC Ophthalmology

The lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many mall retailers going out of business. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of indoor space footage remains vacant while shopping trends continue to shift online. Despite this movement, many malls are of desirable location as they are conveniently situated to the interstate, provide public transportation, and remain surrounded by acres of parking and a dense population. In a decision that may reinvent the concept and perception of a mall comes the delivery of healthcare services: The Medical Mall.

A Medical Mall falls within an indoor shopping facility. While some are strictly medical, others exist within retail space and are a combination of a shopping area and a medical facility. As of 2022, 32 enclosed malls within the United States provide health care services. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Medical Mall design emerged at a much greater pace. Acknowledging the details of what defines a Medical Mall allows the discussion of its potential sustainability for the future of healthcare.