SELKIRK EYECARE COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN
*Notices are posted on the front door and the website outlining our safety procedures for patients. No patients are to be seen if they have COVID-19 symptoms currently or within the past 10 days, or if they have travelled outside of Canada within the past 14 days.
*Patients are required to wear masks in the clinic. Patients are requested to wear in their own masks, but may be provided masks if they do not come in with one. (This policy may be changed if we are unable to maintain an adequate supply of masks for patients). Staff are to remind patients of this when making and confirming their appointment.
*Patients, staff, and doctors are required to use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the clinic. Staff are to monitor this and remind patients to ensure it is always done when entering the clinic.
*The dispensary will be limited to a small number of people browsing frames. Anyone else who arrives will be instructed on where they can wait till a space opens up.
*Frames that patients try on are to be placed in a bin and sanitized by staff before being put back on the frame boards for display.
*Patients are requested to arrive alone to their appointments when possible, and not to bring friends or kids. If the patient requires a driver, we request that they wait in the car. Staff are to remind patients of this when making and confirming their appointment. Patients may bring in an assistant if the patient requires help with cognitive function or a mobility issue etc.
*Upon front desk check in, patients will be given a marker to put on the chair that will be theirs for the duration of their visit. Staff are to sanitize chairs once a patient is done their appointment and will no longer be using the chair.
*All frames that are touched are to be placed into designated trays and not to be touched by another till they have been sanitized.
*Social distancing is required at the front desk. Tape and/or floor decals are to be used to show patients where to stand for appropriate social distancing.
* All staff are to wear masks at all times. Staff are to avoid touching masks once they are on. If masks must be touched or repositioned, use hand sanitizer before and after touching masks.
* Regular hand washing or regular use of hand sanitizer is required for all staff. This includes after every interaction with a patient or customer, and after handling a patient's frame. Nitrile gloves are provided to staff but are optional to wear. For staff electing to wear gloves, regular hand sanitizer use (including after every patient/customer interaction) and regular changes of gloves is required.
*Magazines and toys are removed from waiting rooms.
*Waiting room chairs have been spaced appropriately to maintain social distance.
*Point of Sale equipment is to be sanitized with a 70% alcohol wipe after each use.
*Pre-test and OCT chairs are to have their armrests sanitized after each patient.
*Pre-test equipment and exam lane equipment is to be sanitized after each use, including control surfaces.
*When working on a frame a patient has brought in for adjustment or repair staff are required to use hand sanitizer prior to touching the patients frame, then should either place the frame in the ultrasonic cleaner or use an alcohol wipe on the frame (if materials allows to do so without damage) prior to working on the frame. Hand sanitizer must be used prior to touching tools.
*The water in the ultrasonic equipment should be changed as required to ensure that frames are being cleaned in hot soapy water.
*Cleaning contractors have been asked to place extra emphasis on sanitizing high touch surfaces, such as keyboards/mouse, door handles etc.
*Staff are required to wipe down phones, keyboards/mouse each morning.
*Staff are prohibited from using office cups, dishes and cutlery. Staff should use their own mugs/coffee cups, and use disposable cutlery and plates.
*Pupilometers and slit lamps will have breath shields installed.
*Face shields are to be worn by staff when adjusting or dotting frames, or any other task that requires a close distance to a patient's face. Face shields are to be sanitized after use.
*If staff are sick or unwell they must stay home from work and must be tested for COVID-19 before returning to work.
*Staff and doctors are asked to act in a responsible manner outside of work to reduce the risk of contracting an infection and then bringing it into work.
*Appointment times have been lengthened on days with two optometrists in the same clinic, to reduce congestion in the waiting room.
These policies and procedures may be updated or amended as the current situation changes.
What is the five-step process to perfect hand washing?
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the 'Happy Birthday' song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
How to Put on Your Mask?
1. First, be sure you have the right mask size that can be extended to cover your mouth, nose and chin. Determine which side of the mask is the front – it is generally the colored side.
2. Before putting the mask on, carefully clean your hands with either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Hold the mask via the ear loops, making sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask. Place the loops over your ears.
4. Pinch the metal strip of the mask so it blends with the shape of your nose bridge.
5. Avoid touching the face mask once you’ve put it on. If you need to adjust the mask, hand hygiene should be performed both before and after adjusting.
How to Remove Your Mask?
1. Before removing your mask, make sure you have cleaned your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
2. Remove it by holding the ear loops from behind without touching the front of the mask.
3. Discard instantly in a lidded rubbish bin.
4. Perform hand hygiene routine again.
WHILE WEARING A MASK, HANDS/GLOVES MUST BE SANITIZED BEFORE AND AFTER TOUCHING YOUR MASK