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Optometry clinics are now open again in Alberta.
As of May 4, clinics can now offer comprehensive eye exams in addition to the urgent, critical and emergency care they were restricted to due to COVID-19.
Offices like In Focus Eye Care in Jasper have put new protocols in place to help prevent the spread of the virus, including limiting the number of people in the clinic, sanitizing equipment between procedures and wearing personal protective equipment.
Tracy Kitz, an optometrist at In Focus, said: 鈥淚t took a little while to work out the kinks but most people have been good with the new standards.鈥�
The optometry clinic now has reduced hours with more time between patients. Plexiglass dividers have been installed, staff wear safety goggles and masks and encourage patients to wear masks too. Everything is sanitized between patients and any glasses they have touched are washed before going back on the wall.
鈥淓verything is working out and we are just getting used to the new normal,鈥� said Kitz.
May 4 also saw the start of Alberta Health Services resuming some scheduled, non-urgent surgeries, starting with those would be at the highest risk if their surgery was further delayed and those who have been waiting longest.
And independent regulated health professionals like chiropractors, physiotherapists, psychologists and other community providers, including audiologists and dieticians, were permitted to resume operations as long as they are following Alberta Health guidance to limit transmission.
Eye-related injuries rise
As Jasperites take part in more outdoor activities and home renovation projects, optometrists have seen a rise in the number of eye-related injuries.
鈥淲hile it鈥檚 great people are finding new projects to keep them busy, many are neglecting to wear the proper eye protection, which can easily lead to foreign objects in the eye and minor abrasions,鈥� said Meagan Hawkshaw, an optometrist in Jasper.
If you are taking part in an activity like painting or cutting wood the best thing is to wear some sort of safety glasses. Sunglasses are a good option outdoors.
If you get something in your eye, flush the eye with eye drops. If redness and irritation persists a few hours later, call an optician.
鈥淒uring these challenging and uncertain times, I want to emphasize that optometrists remain available to their patients,鈥� said Hawkshaw.
鈥淚f an individual has concerns about their vision and eye health, they should seek immediate help and call their optometrist. Left untreated, common conditions can lead to serious, long-term problems.鈥�
