OPTICAL PRISM | NEWS
“ We make it a priority to explain the new process and what we do to sanitize after the patient leaves ,” explains HIll . “ Our staff is using their expert listening skills to really learn what the patient needs and educate them on what we have to offer , giving them choices rather than only one option .”
Horne says staff at his Regina clinic have adapted well
“ We are used to the new routine . There is more work involved before opening and after closing , but we have never been so clean but at the end of the day it ’ s all about sanitation and social distancing .”
At St . Clair Eye Clinic , Dr . Vyas says his clinic is practicing at about 80 % capacity to maintain the necessary physical distancing and make customers feel safe about obtaining eye care .
“ Patients feel comfortable ,” he says . “ They see that they can come in and have multiple layers of protection while still receiving the quality service they would expect pre-pandemic .”
“ I ’ m just so sad that this is such a big year for eye care professionals ( being 2020 ),” she says . “ And it has been so disappointing . I am missing the shows and interaction with people in the industry .”
In Regina , Horne is resigned to the facts of how we do business now .
“ We are loading up on more hand sanitizer and masks . I feel this is how we do things from now on and that ’ s life as we now know it .”
Dr . Vyas agrees and remains optimistic about handling future challenges , no matter what 2020 and proceeding years have to throw at us .
“ We provided urgent care at the beginning of this thing and we will do it again . I ’ m just so glad we can still contribute to people ’ s eye care needs during these tough times .” OP
Some customers have been really enjoying the extra attention , according to Hill at Personal Optical . A new , revised appointment system is allowing customers to sit and relax while they choose new eyewear .
“ Our attention is strictly on them as we don ’ t have other patients interrupting . We take our time , ask appropriate questions to help narrow down their selection and we find patients are focused on buying rather than just browsing ,” says Hill .
“ Our office is set up with three stations : Two for ordering and one for pick-ups . All are six-feet apart and quite comfortable . We have asked for patient input as we learn through this experience but everyone has felt very safe .”
Many healthcare experts predict the world will observe a second and significant wave of COVID-19 cases before Christmas , but unlike the spring , these eye care professionals are ready to continue serving customers through these unprecedented times .
Hill hopes her customers in St . Catharine ’ s and beyond will be sure to check her clinic ’ s website and social media pages for constant updates . She ’ s also sending her best wishes to colleagues near and far .
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