Updated Thursday 6th August 2020.
COVID-19 Update: Stage 4 Restrictions – we are open for limited eye care services.
We take the COVID-19 outbreak very seriously and are taking additional protective measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients, team members and the wider community. We are monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to act under the guidelines from health authorities and RANZCO.
Accordingly, at this time, we remain OPEN for eye care appointments for existing patients and other essential eye health services.
Under the current Stage 4 Restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne, you are permitted to leave home for medical care, including eye care, so you can still attend your scheduled appointment at VISTAeyes Laser Eye Clinic. The 5km radius rule does not apply to travelling for medical care.
As always, our existing infection control protocols and social distancing measures are maintained at their current high level and your safety is our top priority.
The standard precautions prevail, and if you are unwell with any symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and get tested. Maintain good hygiene – wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Keep your distance – remain at least 1.5 metres away from others.
How are we keeping everyone safe? Please be sure to read our Visit Guidelines below before leaving home so that you know what to expect when you arrive.
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.
- 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 addition:
- We are calling patients one day prior to their appointment and asking the above questions.
- All patients are asked to sign a declaration form upon entering our clinic to confirm the above points, prior to being seated.
- All patients are required to have their temperature measured at the forehead by staff as a condition of their appointment.
Team Members’ Health & Safety
- 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 Stage 4 restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne, please see link: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398, open 24 hours, 7 days.
