Well, here we are, with terms like the “new normal” and “social distancing” making its way into the human lexicon of everyday conversation we find ourselves asking; “Is it safe to go to the Eye Doctor during the Coronavirus Pandemic?” Well, we are here to calm those fears and ease your anxieties about getting back to those doctors’ appointments.
Luckily eye care Physicians have been and continue to be essential health care providers. However, in order to be safe during the pandemic the Optometric Community as a whole has taken on new steps and guidelines to assure that health and safety are the number one priority while staying open and seeing patients during the pandemic. Our office has made several changes to help keep our patients, staff, and doctors safe. What you can expect once you arrive at the office is a series of questions as well as new protocols. Many of the questions will be asked verbally to reduce the use of pens. Patients are required to wear masks as they enter the building and hand sanitizer as soon as you enter the office. The examination room is sanitized before and after every patient. Shields have been placed on all equipment used in order to keep a barrier between Doctor and patient. The doctor will be wearing masks, eye shields, and gloves at all times during the visit, due to the close proximity that we need to be during the examination. Along with the Doctor, the staff will also be wearing masks during your appointment and adhering to social distance guidelines. We have even thought about the little things like patients trying on multiple frames, we understand it may take a couple of tries before finding that perfect frame, so we put aside all frames that were sampled and wash them before placing them back on display. Appointments have been scaled back to not allow more than 10 people in the office at once, including staff. Any family members would have to wait outside during the appointment as were asking patients to come alone or with the person they made the appointment for, be it a child or an elderly family member. We are also taking additional steps and having the office Biochemically sprayed by a professional cleaning company just as an added benefit of peace of mind.
We at our office along with countless other Optometric offices are taking this pandemic seriously and assure you that steps have been put in place within the eye care community to assist in complying with all guidelines put out by the CDC. There is some evidence that the coronavirus is found in the conjunctiva and tears therefore we are taking all precautions at all times. There are many reasons besides vision that patients may need to be seen by an eye care specialist during this pandemic. These include eye injuries, pinks eye, loss of vision, dry eyes, itchy eyes, styes, pain, flashes or floaters, glaucoma, and diabetes. However, a clear vision is also very important during this time. Patients may lose or break their glasses or contact lenses and we are here for those needs as well.
So there you go, we hope this puts some of your concerns at ease. We understand and are going through this with you. We have families and friends who we want to protect also. We will do everything we can to keep you and your family safe during these times while at the same time providing you with the same quality and professional eye care you expect from us. So don’t be afraid, make that appointment, but don’t forget your mask! LOL
