Eye Care during COVID-19

When you call to make an appointment, staff will ask you several screening questions to determine your risk of exposure to COVID-19. It’s important to answer these questions honestly to protect yourself and others in the Clinic.

If your answers indicate that you are at a high risk for COVID-19 exposure

• you will be referred to your family doctor or Public Health.
• you will be asked to reschedule your appointment.

If your answers indicate that you are at a low risk for COVID-19 exposure

• staff will schedule your appointment and give you further instructions (see Preparing for your appointment).
• a clinician may contact you before your appointment to take your case history.

Before your appointment, you may receive a reminder phone call or text message. Staff will repeat the screening questions to ensure you are still at a low risk for COVID-19 exposure.

Before your appointment, please review these requirements:

1. All patients/support persons are required to wear a mask or cloth face covering before being permitted to enter the Clinic. These must be worn at all times inside the Clinic.

We are currently unable to treat patients who are unable to wear a mask (e.g. children under the age of 2, anyone unable to remove their mask without help, anyone who has trouble breathing or who has a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask.)

If you arrive without a mask, we will provide you with one if supplies are available; otherwise, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

2. Only patients can enter the Clinic
   • Children or those in need of assistance may be accompanied by a maximum of one essential support person.

When you arrive at the Clinic, please

• Arrive no more than 10 minutes before your appointment.
• Remain in your car or outside the Clinic until you are called

Before you enter the Clinic, staff will once again ask you (and your essential support person, if applicable) several screening questions to determine your risk of exposure to COVID-19, as your health status may have changed since you confirmed your appointment. It’s important to answer these questions honestly to protect yourself and others in the Clinic.

If your answers indicate that you are at a high risk for COVID-19 exposure

• You will not be permitted to enter the Clinic.
• You will be asked to reschedule your appointment.
• If your case is urgent, other arrangements will be made for your care.
• You will be referred to your family physician or Public Health.

If your answers indicate that you are at a low risk for COVID-19 exposure

• You will be allowed to enter the Clinic.
• You are asked to go directly to the check-in area, where you will be greeted by a clinician or intern and taken to the examination room.

The health and safety of patient and Clinic personnel is a top priority. The Clinic is following all required infection prevention and control measures set out by Public Health and other recognized authorities and will adjust its approach as required, as new evidence and requirements become available.

In the Clinic

• Fewer waiting room chairs, spread apart to maintain physical distancing
• Fabric chairs replaced by ones that can be more easily cleaned and disinfected
• Patient traffic flows in one direction (when possible)
• Signage regarding respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene
• Hand sanitizers are located at entrances/exits and service desks
• Telehealth consultations are available
• All Clinic personnel wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Covid-19 patient screening
• All patients and any accompanying essential persons are required to wear a mask/face covering
• Common areas are cleaned/disinfected following each wave of patients (approximately 5-6 times per day) and more frequently as required
• Examination rooms are cleaned/disinfected at the beginning of each day, between patients, and at the end of the day

In Optical Services

• We are offering service by appointment only
• Frames and surfaces are disinfected after each patient