A New Standard in Patient Care
As our state begins a gradual approach to reopening health care services, we remain committed to keeping our patients, staff and community in good health. We want to thank you for your patience and cooperation in helping us curb the spread of COVID-19 over the past couple of months.
You can feel confident with a visit to our surgery center knowing we have revisited every step in your journey, with your safety and that of our medical team in mind. We are evaluating new regulations as they emerge to ensure compliance with the latest guidance from state and local authorities.
You can feel confident with a visit to our surgery center knowing we have revisited every step in your journey, with your safety and that of our medical team in mind. We are evaluating new regulations as they emerge to ensure compliance with the latest guidance from state and local authorities.
What is the staff doing differently to protect me?
All surgeons and staff are required to take dedicated training courses prior to returning to work for patient care. This training was designed with safety in mind and touches on every step in the patient journey. Our team is also required to submit to a basic screening at the beginning of every shift, prior to reporting to work and also upon arrival at the office. This includes:
Employees must sanitize hands and put on approved PPE prior to entering the office. Masks will be worn by all staff, regardless of their role in patient care. Gloves and gowns will be worn by all staff who have direct patient contact.
We have limited each of our provider schedules to allow only the minimum number of people in the office at one time. Our surgeons will see fewer patients per day in order to comply with state guidelines on occupancy and social distancing. This is best for all patients and employees, regardless of age or risk level as it reduces interaction in every hour we are open.
- Temperature Check. Temperature should be taken prior to reporting to work. Employees reporting a temperature at or exceeding 100.0F will not report to work.
- Evaluation of Signs or Symptoms. Self reporting of any COVID-19 related symptoms, including fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell/taste, diarrhea, or extended exposure to an individual with COVID-19. Employees exhibiting signs or symptoms will not report to work.
Employees must sanitize hands and put on approved PPE prior to entering the office. Masks will be worn by all staff, regardless of their role in patient care. Gloves and gowns will be worn by all staff who have direct patient contact.
We have limited each of our provider schedules to allow only the minimum number of people in the office at one time. Our surgeons will see fewer patients per day in order to comply with state guidelines on occupancy and social distancing. This is best for all patients and employees, regardless of age or risk level as it reduces interaction in every hour we are open.
What to do prior to your appointment
Patients and anyone accompanying a patient will be required to wear a mask or cloth face covering throughout the duration of the visit. It is important to note that only patients are allowed inside the practice. If the patient is a minor or otherwise in need of assistance, ONE person may accompany the patient—all others will be asked to wait outside or in their car. Additional guests will be granted access only after also completing the required pre-screening assessment (detailed in the following section) and are asked to also bring a mask to the office visit. If these conditions are not met by the person accompanying a minor or those requiring other assistance, the appointment for that patient will need to be rescheduled.
What to expect upon arrival at the office
Patients and visitors are required to wear a mask or cloth face covering upon arrival to the office and throughout the duration of their visit. You will be asked to check in with the designated Compliance Officer when you arrive. This person will ask you to and anyone accompanying you to sanitize your hands, submit to a temperature check and conduct the health assessment questionnaire prior to checking in for your appointment.
You will be required to sign a consent form prior to seeing the doctor, and will be provided with a pen that has been disinfected between every use. Our front desk staff will discard that pen into a designated bin for disinfection prior to its use by anyone else.
Watch for designated markings on the floor to maintain the recommended 6 feet apart for social distancing.
You will be required to sign a consent form prior to seeing the doctor, and will be provided with a pen that has been disinfected between every use. Our front desk staff will discard that pen into a designated bin for disinfection prior to its use by anyone else.
Watch for designated markings on the floor to maintain the recommended 6 feet apart for social distancing.
What to expect during your visit
All equipment or tools used throughout the pre-testing process and while in the exam lane will be disinfected between every patient encounter. Patients may remove face masks when in the exam room but are required to put them back on when leaving the room or when others enter the room.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to keep our center a safe space for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your appointment, please give us a call:
St. Louis Eye Surgery and Laser Center: (314) 686-4200
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to keep our center a safe space for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your appointment, please give us a call:
St. Louis Eye Surgery and Laser Center: (314) 686-4200
Helpful Resources
Coronavirus and Your Eyes
Experts say guarding your eyes — as well as your hands and mouth — can slow the spread of coronavirus. Click here to read the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s explanation on why it's important to protect your eyes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.