COVID-19's rapid sweep across the country has forced optical practices to make rapid clinical management decisions. Some optometrists temporarily shuttered their businesses due to the pandemic, while others began to offer emergency appointment services and telehealth.

As mandatory restrictions begin to lift in many locations, optometrists are beginning to open their doors for routine care. But this time around they will implement strict social distancing guidelines and take unprecedented precautions to limit the spread of infection.

Some of the Changes You Should Expect to See

1. Signage throughout the office spelling out new steps and protocols to ensure maximum safety for staff and patients alike.
2. Social distancing will be the new norm. Packed waiting rooms will be a thing of the past. Instead, clinics will be spacing out seating to reduce capacity and scheduling in longer intervals to minimize patient interactions.
3. Certain practices will require appointments for individuals to see and try on frames and sunglasses at the dispensary.
4. Methods will be introduced to decrease the number of surfaces a patient touches, including facilitating cashless payments and encouraging patients to fill out registration forms online.
5. Patients who aren't feeling well or who have been in contact with someone who is ill will be asked to reschedule their appointment.
6. Measuring one's temperature at the entrance will become commonplace for both staff and patients.
7. There will be more time between appointments, to allow the staff to thoroughly clean and disinfect before and after each patient's visit.
8. Many eye practitioners will be wearing safety goggles and face masks. Patients may also be asked to wear masks.
9. Practices will frequently wipe down any patient area, including chairs, counters and doorknobs.

If you're dealing with a vision or eye health issue and need to visit Optique Family Vision Care, please don't hesitate in contacting us. We'll be happy to assist you however we can.