COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - What we are doing to keep you safe
What we are doing to keep you safe and guidance for booking an appointment- updated 15/7/21
Keeping our clients and staff safe is our absolute priority and due to the close proximity of eye examinations, we have decided not to change our covid measures on 19th July (when the national restrictions change). In addition, some of these measures make common sense for reducing transmission of other illnesses, keeping our clients comfortable and enabling us to offer an attentive and exclusive service.
As per guidance, Buchanan Optometrists shall remain open throughout any further national lockdowns. To keep you safe during your visit to the practice, we have implemented numerous measures.
1 - Appointment spacing
We are spacing appointment times to ensure there are the fewest number of people in the practice at any one time. Some of our staff are working from home. Therefore clinic days and times are limited for the moment. Please book soon before they fill up.
If you are vulnerable or particularly concerned, we can arrange for you to be the only client in practice throughout your appointment, please let us know as this will affect the type of appointment we can offer.
All staff and patients shall observe social distancing except where clinically impossible, and additional safety measures and appropriate PPE are in place to allow this to happen safely. Seating areas and testing areas have been designed to aid this.
2 - A strict appointment-only policy. No drop-ins
We will ask you to wait outside before being let in at your appointment time (not before). If you arrive early, please remain in your car or outside while respecting social distancing.
3- Staffing
Due to our high level of sanitising and cleaning in the practice which takes several hours each day we may not be able to instantly answer your call. We have employed an answering service to help us with the large volume of calls we are currently handling. We will always endeavour to call you back later the same day or sooner if your call is urgent. We appreciate your patience and understanding as this is not the speed of service we would normally offer. If you are able, please email us on [email protected] where we can deal with any questions, appointment bookings etc. and call you back if necessary.
4- Health Screening
All clients, staff and visitors will be subject to an online health screening before their appointment to ensure they or their family and contacts have no symptoms of COVID-19 and have not been asked to self isolate. Based on these surveys we will cancel your appointment if it is not deemed safe for you to come into the practice.
5 - Remote Consultations
Telephone consultations will be conducted in place of some eye examinations to ensure you can get the care you need without attending the practice if appropriate.
6 - Hygiene & Sanitising
Strict hygiene and disinfecting procedures
All patients will be asked to wear a mask or face covering (except very young children, those who were previously exempt or those who have difficulty breathing while wearing a mask). If you do not have a mask, we can supply one for a small charge.
Clients will be required to remove any gloves, sanitise their hands on entry to the practice as well as throughout their visit and on exit.
The strictest levels of hygiene will be observed with all equipment, including trial frames and lenses and consulting rooms being sanitised between visits. Including the use of UVC sterilisation.
7 - The use of PPE
Our staff will be wearing masks. If they need to come within 2m to perform specific tasks, then they will also be wearing a face shield or using a screen and wearing disposable gloves. PPE will be replaced on a per client basis as per guidelines.
8 - Minimising contact
To minimise your time in the practice, if you have an eye examination appointment we will send an email questionnaire and or telephone consultation before your appointment to ask all the usual questions that we would normally ask in the consulting room. Some examinations may be different to those you have experienced before to meet current recommendations. We will be using 4d scanning technology on all patients where possible so as we can get the best look at your eye health while keeping our distance.
We ask patients to attend alone unless under 18 or require a chaperone.
9 - Atmosphere
We have installed a fresh air exchange system in the practice which brings in a constant source of fresh clean air to all rooms.
10 - Changes to our facilities
At this time we are not offering refreshments. Please bring a drink with you if you think you will require one during your visit.
11- Trying on spectacles
You can still try on spectacles and face coverings can be removed provided you are not within 2m of anyone. We will continue sanitise any frames that are touched or tried on using UVC light before being used again.
12- Repairs and adjustments
If your spectacles need repair or adjustment you will be asked to remove your frame, clean it with a disinfecting wipe before we take it from you. We will use new disposable gloves to handle each pair of spectacles. Your spectacles will be UVC sterilised before they are returned to you
If you have any questions please telephone the practice at any time.
13- Product delivery service
If you would prefer your dry eye products, anti-fog sprays, nutritional supplements etc posted to you. They can be ordered online at www.eyestuff.co.uk or by calling the practice on 01634 757227.
How to book an appointment
Following regulatory advice, we are able to open the practice for all essential eye care. Some routine procedures are not included in this, so please telephone the practice or email [email protected] if you need any further information or to book an appointment call 01634 757227.
