COVID-19 forced optical practices to make rapid clinical management decisions. As restrictions begin to lift, optometrists are opening their doors for routine care — but with strict social distancing guidelines and unprecedented precautions to limit the spread of infection.

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.
2. Social distancing will be the new norm. Packed waiting rooms will be a thing of the past. Clinics will space out seating and schedule appointments with longer intervals to minimize patient interactions. Some clinics may ask patients to wait in their cars until they receive a text message saying it's their turn.
3. Certain practices will require appointments for individuals to see and try on frames and sunglasses.
4. Methods will be introduced to decrease the number of surfaces a patient touches, such as leaving doors open or enabling cashless payments.
5. Patients who aren't feeling well will be asked to reschedule their appointment two to three weeks in the future.
6. Temperature checks at the entrance will become commonplace for both staff and patients.
7. There will be more time between appointments to allow staff to thoroughly clean and disinfect between patients.
8. Many eye practitioners will wear safety goggles and face masks during close contact with patients.
9. Individuals with suspected ocular infections will be placed in a special containment area.
10. Practices will frequently wipe down all patient areas, including chairs, counters, and doorknobs.
11. Patients will be requested to wash or disinfect their hands upon entering the office.

If you're dealing with a vision or eye health issue, please don't hesitate to contact Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio. Call us at (937) 228-2020.