Updated Thursday, 2nd September, 2021.
Important Update Re: Melbourne’s Lockdown No. 6
Due to Melbourne’s current lockdown, which commenced at 8:00pm on Thursday 5th August, we wish to advise that the clinic will remain open for limited services. At this stage, we plan to resume our usual operations when restrictions are lifted.
If your appointment needs to be rescheduled, we apologise – and our team will be in contact with you to arrange an alternative time.
In light of the locally acquired cases of COVID-19 reported across Victoria, we are urging all patients and visitors to check the updated public exposure sites as listed by DHHS: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites
As instructed by the DHHS, if you have visited any of the listed Tier 1, 2 or 3 exposure sites during the times listed, you must follow the relevant instructions. You must not enter the clinic.
We’ve updated our COVID-19 VISIT GUIDELINES – please be sure to read these, so you know what to expect when you arrive.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
Thank you from everyone at VISTAeyes Laser Eye Clinic.
COVID-19 VISIT GUIDELINES
At VISTAeyes Laser Eye Clinic, we are committed to keeping our patients and team members safe and we continue to observe strict infection control protocols and social distancing measures.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have in place a COVID Safe Plan and the following protocols and measures:
Increased Infection Control Procedures
In addition to our regular high standard of infection control and sterilisation, we are taking the following precautions:
- All patients are required to wear a mask while at the clinic. A mask can be provided if needed.
- All patients must check-in using the QR Code or, alternatively, a pen and paper method is also available
- A temperature check at the forehead will be required on attendance
- Increased sanitation of hard surfaces in highly trafficked areas such as reception, waiting areas, clinical and consulting rooms
- All clinical and consulting rooms are sanitised after every patient
- Patient seating in the waiting areas has been spread out
- Protective screens installed at reception
- Slit lamp shields installed
- Additional hand sanitisers are available to be used in waiting area, reception, clinical and consulting rooms
- Removal of magazines & books
- Removal of coffee and tea cups and replaced with single use, disposable cups
Limiting Traffic Inside the Clinic
- We advise that only scheduled patients will be allowed into the consulting rooms and clinical areas and ask that support people (unless required for interpretation or mobility assistance) and family members don’t enter the clinic unnecessarily. We are happy to phone a support person to return to pick up the patient, if needed, at the conclusion of the appointment.
- At certain times, patients may be asked to wait in their cars instead of the waiting areas. We will call patients by phone to let them know when it is their turn to be seen.
Screening Patients
Please call us to reschedule your appointment, and do not enter to the clinic if you:
- have recently had a COVID-19 test and are waiting for your result;
- have tested positive to COVID-19;
- have travelled internationally in the past 14 days;
- are unwell with a fever, shortness of breath, cough or sore throat;
- have been in contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19
- in light of the recent cases of COVID-19 reported across Victoria, we are urging all patients and visitors to check the updated public exposure sites as listed by DHHS: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites. If you have visited any of the locations during the specified times, please do not enter the clinic and follow the specific advice listed for that exposure site.
- or any member of your household, who you are in direct contact with, has been directed to isolate.
In addition:
- A temperature check at the forehead will be required on attendance.
- All patients are asked to sign a declaration form upon entering our clinic to confirm the above points, prior to being seated.
Team Members’ Health & Safety
- Team members must check-in using the QR Code or, alternatively, a pen and paper method is also available
- Team members must stay home if they are showing any signs of illness, even if mild, and will not return to work until it is deemed safe to do so by their doctor.
- All team members are having their temperature measured at the forehead upon entering the workplace.
- All team members are required to wear a mask while at the clinic.
We appreciate your full cooperation in this matter and thank you for continuing to help us maintain a safe and healthy environment.
More Information
For information on the current restrictions for Victoria, please see link: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398, open 24 hours, 7 days.
And… An Important Message About KINDNESS
One of the most challenging parts of dealing with the past 18+ months is the uncertainty! The situation makes it difficult to plan holidays, work commitments, celebrations, events and… appointments.
We feel your frustration. The restrictions keep changing, the repeated lockdowns, the ever changing exposure sites to look for, and financial pressures are being felt by many and can be overwhelming.
We can confirm selected patients, based on the nature of their appointments, are considered essential, and are permitted to attend their appointment at our clinic. Your confirmed appointment is a valid reason to leave home and travel outside the 5km limit – however, you must follow all of the COVID-19 Visit Guidelines. For some of our patients, during this time, appointments will, unfortunately, need to be rescheduled.
The many layers of pressure caused by these disruptions affect us all in different ways. If are you are feeling upset or offended by us needing to reschedule your appointment, please take a moment to pause and consider the impact your words or actions have on others – it would mean a lot to our team members, who have to deliver the news to many people every day.
It is exhausting for everyone – but please let’s show each other kindness and compassion.
Worksafe Victoria has recently released a campaign called “It’s never OK” to help bring awareness of the impact of unacceptable behaviour experienced by workers across a variety of industries. For more information please see: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/itsneverok
