Ask An Eye Doctor : COVID-19 Update For Our Patients

Dr. Judy Walrath, OD

Our team at Dr. Tavel is closely monitoring the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak while figuring out ways to keep our patients and staff safe. As part of our commitment to your health and safety, we have updated our Eyes On Safety guidelines. 

We know many have questions about the coronavirus and how it may impact your daily life, including future eye exams. We sat down with one of our optometrists, Dr. Judy Walrath, OD with some frequently asked questions and how COVID-19 affects your vision care.

• How is the virus transmitted?
  • The COVID-19 virus is transmitted by contact with people or surfaces that are infected. This can be from being within 6 feet of someone who coughs or sneezes or from touching a surface and then your face, eyes, mouth, or nose.
• What are the common symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
  • The most common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
• Should I be wearing contact lenses?
  • Yes, it is okay to wear contacts. One of the main concerns around preventing COVID-19 is the number of times you touch your eyes and face – If you handle your lenses properly, it’s not as much of an issue. That means you should wash your hands thoroughly before putting your contacts in and properly disinfecting your contacts with a multi-purpose solution, not saline. It also means disposing of your contact lenses according to your doctor’s instructions. If you become sick, we do recommend you discontinue contact lens wear, whether it is the flu or coronavirus, as a good eye health practice.

WHAT CHANGES ARE BEING MADE TO ROUTINE EYE EXAMS AND OTHER SERVICES?

We are reducing the number of exams scheduled and limiting the number of people in the office to comply with social distancing guidelines. If you’re coming in for an exam, please come alone. We are asking for non-patients to wait outside the office or in the car unless you’re a parent or guardian accompanying a minor.

Doctors and staff will be required to wear masks 100% of the time when in our office​, and we will be providing patients a mask if they do not have one. Doctors will be wearing gloves when they feel it is necessary to touch the patients and exposing themselves to fluids from the patient’s eyes​.

Follow us for updates

We will be updating our website and social media accounts for any office hours changes, CDC, or government announcements, as well as coronavirus eye safety tips. We are committed to providing the best care to you and will continue to give you the best guidance we can.

If you have any questions about your upcoming appointment, or you need to reschedule you can chat with our team online at drtavel.com, or call us 1-844-GOTAVEL.