What Will Optometry Practices Look Like Post-COVID?

COVID-19's rapid sweep across the country forced optical practices to make rapid clinical management decisions. As mandatory restrictions began to lift, optometrists started opening their doors for routine care — implementing strict social distancing guidelines and taking 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. Clinics will space out seating to reduce capacity and schedule in longer intervals to minimize patient interactions. Some clinics may ask patients to wait in their cars until they receive a text message from the office.
3. Certain practices will require appointments for individuals to see and try on frames and sunglasses at the dispensary. Bookings will be in 15-20 minute increments, accessed by one individual at a time.
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 have been in contact with someone ill will be asked to reschedule their appointment two to three weeks in the future.
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.
8. Many eye practitioners will be wearing safety goggles and face masks during up-close contact.
9. Practices will frequently wipe down any patient area, including chairs, counters, and doorknobs. Every exam room will be completely disinfected between appointments.

If you're dealing with a vision or eye health issue, or if you'd like more information on how we've adapted our practice, please don't hesitate to contact St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville. Call us at (740) 695-0444.