At our practice, the health and safety of our patients, staff, and doctors remains our top priority. We know some questions may exist as to what we are doing to manage the novel coronavirus. It is extremely important for you to feel confident and safe at our practice and at the same time have your eyecare needs met at the highest standards. With this in mind, we are taking extra precautions as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), American Optometric Association (AOA), and California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
All of our doctors take your safety seriously. Accordingly, we are rolling out new protocols to ensure that your safety & health are our first priority.
What we are asking of patients:
- When entering Costco, please go to the front of the line and let the staff know that you have an appointment. They will direct you to our office. Also, do not wait in the line at the optical. Please come directly inside our office.
- If there are more than 3 patients inside the office, please wait outside the office and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
- DO NOT come in if you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or any other flu-like symptoms. Please call the office and reschedule your appointment.
- All patients are required to wear a face mask.
- Overflow patients are asked to wait outside of our office.
- Please print out and bring with you your medication list and previous glasses and or contact lens prescriptions.
- When possible, please fill out the "PATIENT HISTORY FORM" and "AUTHORIZATION FORM" (listed above on the right) before you come to our office.
- Please show up on time to your appointment. This will help us optimize social distancing.
- Please come to your appointment by yourself. If you need to bring someone (such as a parent/guardian or caregiver) please limit that individual to one person.
- Please follow the directions of our staff and doctors so that we may best take care of our beloved central coast community!
Other Considerations:
- All staff and doctors will also be wearing masks and/or face shields (where appropriate).
- No handshake zone --- In the past, our doctors or staff members may have greeted you with a traditional handshake. At this time, it is recommended that handshaking be avoided as it is an easy way to transmit germs.
- We have limited the number of patients in our waiting areas.
- Common/high touch areas/surfaces are cleaned & sanitized with bleach or alcohol-based solutions throughout the day.
- All equipment used is cleaned before each patient.
- Staff and doctors will be provided with all needed PPE.
- Upon arrival we will also conduct a required infectious disease questionnaire and temperature check.
- We also have added protective shields to various testing equipment.
And finally...Our Technology!
Our practice has spent significant efforts toward utilizing technology to allow for eye exams that are thourough and comprehensive and also allow the doctor or staff to minimize physical contact with your eyes over 95% of the time.
1) Optomap imaging system: Our ultra widefield imaging system allows a 200 degree view of the retina (about 80%) in less than a second. The Optomap Retinal Imaging system is outstanding for assessing retinal issues. YOUR FACE OR EYES ARE NOT TOUCHED, NO DILATION IS NEEDED AND NO DROPS ARE NEEDED FOR THIS TEST. This technology has dramatically changed the comfort and safety of eyecare and also helps with social distancing.
2) Computerized Refraction System: The doctor will check your prescription but does so by looking at a computer screen in front of him/her and is not facing the patient. This system ensures that the doctor and patient will not be facing each other but rather will be angled about 90 degrees away from each other. Our refraction system is just as accurate as previous older technology but is also a safe way to get a great prescription for glasses!
3) Slit lamp camera system: Our offices have installed an eye imaging system that allows the doctor to evaluate many aspects of the eye in conjunction with a highly precise microscope. Traditionally, the doctor has to look through the oculars which require the doctor to get close to the patient. In over 90% of exams, the doctor can now look through a mounted camera or television screen that allows the doctor to conduct the eye exam from a further distance and still be wearing a face shield (if needed) at the same time!
We believe we have one of the most technologically advanced practices that is perfectly positioned to deliver comprehensive eye care to our Central Coast community in the post COVID- 19 world. We are taking the safety and well being of our patients, staff and doctors seriously and providing our patients a thorough and comprehensive eye exam. Please stay safe and healthy! We look forward to seeing you soon!!