COVID-19 Update
- May 4th, 2020 – Normalization Process Begins
- SAFETY
- Office Distancing Policy
- Universal Precautions
- Patient and Staff Screening
- Virtual Consultation
- Request E-Assessment
PRACTICE POLICY UPDATE - APRIL 27th, 2020
At Conlon Eye Institute, our highest priority is your health and safety. During this time of uncertainty, we continue to closely monitor the developments related to coronavirus (COVID-19) both locally and nationally. The Conlon Eye Institute continues to seek guidance from the Saskatchewan Health and local healthcare agencies as the situation evolves. In response, Conlon Eye Institute has enhanced its already rigorous hygiene, cleaning and sterilization processes. We have outlined the steps we are taking to keep our office clean and safe below. Due to the fluid nature of this situation, we will review and update policies and protocols as needed.
PATIENT SCHEDULING
To minimize exposure and risk of infection, we have dramatically decreased the availability of appointments to ensure little to no waiting in our waiting room.
The patient’s companions will be asked to wait in the car unless necessary for physical or language barrier assistance. This is to minimize the number of individual in close proximity to one another
PATIENT SCREENING
No one will be allowed to enter with symptoms of respiratory illness or fever. Please stay home and—if you believe it is necessary—call your physician or contact 811. You will be required to answered a few screening questions prior to being seated in our waiting room and we thank you in advance for your patience.
STAFF SCREENING
All staff at Conlon Eye Institute will be screened prior to starting work.
EXAMINATION LANES and SURGICAL SUITES
The Conlon Eye Institute maintains the highest standard of cleaning protocols for examination lanes and surgical suites, which includes sterilization of all equipment after each use. Surgical staff follows hand-washing guidelines for healthcare professionals and wears a hat and mask at all times.
GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING
All common areas are cleaned and disinfected frequently, with extra attention to often-touched areas such as countertops, door handles, phones, water/coffee stations, furniture, etc. We have increased accessibility to all cleaning and sanitization supplies throughout the office to promote frequent use. Please don’t hesitate to ask for a hand sanitizer or a disinfectant wipe at any time.
STAFF MEASURES
As healthcare professionals, all Conlon Eye Institute staff members employ best practices with regard to personal hygiene and their responsibility in helping to reduce the risk of infection and spread of disease. Employees will be required to follow universal precautions and proper handwashing protocols at all times. All employees will be screened prior to starting their workday. Furthermore, we have encouraged employees to be liberal with their use of antibacterial wipes in all areas of the office.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP
If you have symptoms of respiratory illness (fever, cough, muscle aches, malaise, shortness of breath) please call your primary care physician, or 811.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS OUR OFFICE OPEN?
Yes, we are open for limited business hours, but will be resuming regular office hours on May 4th, 2020. Presently, we have limited administrative staff and clinical staff in the office Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 am to 12:00 pm to answer your phone calls, emails, and texts regarding scheduling appointments.
ARE WE SEEING EXISTING PATIENTS?
Yes; however, we have limited the number of patients in our waiting room to ensure patient and staff safety.
Necessary follow-up care visits for surgery patients and emergent/urgent eye care cases may be seen in-person or by virtual appointment.
All non-urgent appointments and routine follow-ups may be converted to virtual visits or safely postponed to a later date.
Dr. Conlon and the team at CEI will be performing expedited focused testing. This process requires that after having your diagnostic tests, you go home immediately. Afterward, Dr. Conlon will review your test results, and an office team member will schedule a call or video for you with Dr. Conlon within the next 24 hours, to review your test results. This process will limit the number of patients in our office.
ARE WE SEEING NEW PATIENTS FOR CONSULTATION?
We will see patients for consultation on a case-to-case basis. We are not currently offering new patient consultations in-person; however, we are now offering Virtual Consultations to qualifying patients. Please contact our office for more information.
HOW DO VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS WORK?
Call, email, or text our office to schedule a Virtual LASIK, Cataract, Oculoplastic or General Consultation. Virtual Consultations give you an opportunity to talk to Dr. Conlon and learn about potential treatment options from the comfort of your home (and save you a drive.)
These consultations expedite your ocular care journey, as after the Virtual Consultation, we would only need to see you for a preoperative exam and procedure, which in some cases, is done the same day.
Contact the office to learn more about Virtual Consultations.
Stay safe and well!
Your Conlon Eye Institute Team