A summary of how Ophthalmic clinics have changed during the Coronavirus pandemic
Healthcare workers will be wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) to keep themselves and their patients safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
During the outbreak of Coronavirus, there have been a number of measures introduced to keep you safe.
As you enter the eye clinic, you will have your temperature checked, asked to use hand gel even if you do not have symptoms of Coronavirus and be offered a face mask if you do not have one already.
‘Social distancing’ in the eye clinic is taking place by restricting the number of guests and relatives coming with patients into the department as well as by spacing out appointments and chairs within the clinic.
As you can see in the above, this doctor is wearing PPE or personal protective equipment. The key areas through which the virus can spread include the hands, mouth, nose and eyes and they are all covered here. Do not be alarmed as this is to keep both you and your doctor safe from spreading the virus. Medical staff are now swabbed for COVID-19 twice weekly to pick up asymptomatic cases.
If you do have symptoms, which include either a raised temperature, persistent dry cough or loss of smell or taste, it is important to self isolate and call the NHS 111 line for advice. You may then get in touch with the eye clinic and they will arrange a suitable appointment for you at a later date. DO NOT COME TO THE EYE CLINIC WITH A COUGH, RAISED TEMPERATURE OR LOSS OF SMELL OR TASTE.
For many of our outpatient visits, a telephone consult may be appropriate and across most hospitals these are being conducted instead of face-to-face appointments as per NHS guidance.
For surgery, patients are currently swabbed one week before the operation date and must self-isolate for the following 7 days.
Remember the key tips to keep yourself and others safe on your visit to the eye clinic:
Wash your hands regularly or use alcohol gel on entry to the eye clinic and on leaving
Wear a face mask or covering
Keep a distance of 2 metres where possible from other people
Minimise physical contact eg avoid shaking hands
Stay safe for the months to come!
Alcohol gel with 70% or more alcohol is effective for Coronavirus
There is some evidence of the spread of Coronavirus through the ocular surface and wearing glasses may offer some protection by acting as a shield to prevent particles reaching the eyes.