COVID-19 - What we are doing to keep you safe
What we are doing to keep you safe
To keep you safe during your visit to the practice, we have implemented numerous measures.
1 - Testing for Covid-19
All our staff are now tested twice weekly to ensure we are keeping everyone as safe as possible
2 - Appointment spacing
We are spacing appointment times to ensure no more than two clients (and on most days, two staff) will be in practice at any one time. 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. Seating areas and testing areas have been designed to aid this.
3 - A strict appointment-only policy. No drop-ins
Please read on at the bottom of this document to see if you can or need to book an appointment.
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.
4 - Health Screening
All clients, staff and visitors will be subject to a health screening before their appointment to ensure they or their family and contacts have no symptoms of COVID-19.
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 or those who have difficulty breathing while wearing a mask). We can supply one for a small charge if you do not have a mask.
Clients will be required to remove gloves and sanitise their hands-on entry to the practice, throughout their visit, and on exit.
The strictest hygiene levels 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, 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 asking all the usual questions that we would typically 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 to get the best look at your eye health while keeping our distance.
We ask patients to attend alone unless they are under 18 or require a chaperone.
9 - Atmosphere
We have installed a fresh air exchange system that constantly brings 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.
Our bathroom facilities will not be available at this time.
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 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 and clean it with a disinfecting wipe before taking 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.
How to book an appointment
We are now booking appointments for all private eye examinations, contact lenses and dry eyes. If you require an NHS sight test, please telephone the practice for further information.
