Dear Patients and Visitors,

 

Life Vision Eyecare wants to ensure you that we are taking every precaution we can to keep our patients, visitors, team members and community healthy and safe from the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Although, we cannot guarantee 100% protection from COVID-19, we have put procedures and policies in place to reduce the risk.  Please know that your safety and health is our priority. We have specifically outfitted our clinic with certain  medical equipment to allow for increased infection control.  For instance, we have implemented the iCare tonometry for checking eye pressures which is more comfortable for the patient, reduces touching of the eyes and surrounding face and the attachment is discarded after every patient.  This is not possible with the “puff-test” or “blue-light test.”  In addition, we have added an autophoropter and OptiKam when refracting and fitting glasses to allow the clinician and the patient to increase social distancing.  This is not possible with a traditional exam phoropter and optician measurements. 

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Our Mission Statement:

Life Vision exists to deliver the highest standard of eye care. To provide and protect vision with innovative medical and natural treatments with emphasis on personalized care and quality eyewear.  

 

Life Vision Eyecare COVID-19 Policy

Updated November 22, 2022

 

COVID-19 Information:

• This virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). It can also remain on surfaces and be transmitted from hand to mucus membrane (nose, mouth, or eyes).

• Most patients have flu-like symptoms which can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness. There is some disease spread by people with minimal to no symptoms. Patients with more symptoms are likely more contagious.

• Optometry services are essential for preserving vision.

• Currently, there are vaccines that have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 or lessening symptoms of COVID-19 in a breakthrough infection. 

• The best way to protect yourself is avoid being exposed to COVID-19 by:

  • Wearing a mask in public settings that covers both your nose and mouth (CDC does not recommend the use of masks under the age of two years old)

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol

• Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus, average time of onset is 5.1 days.

• The CDC states there is currently no evidence to suggest contact lens wearers are more at risk for acquiring COVID-19 than eyeglass wearers. Please read further on proper disinfection of your contact lenses or ask us during your exam. Contact lens wearers should continue to practice safe contact lens wear and care hygiene habits to help prevent against transmission of any contact lens-related infections, such as always washing hands with soap and water before handling lenses. Handle your lenses over a surface that has been cleaned and disinfected.

• The CDC states that Hydrogen peroxide-based systems for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing contact lenses should be effective against the virus that causes COVID-19.

  • For other disinfection methods, such as multipurpose solution and ultrasonic cleaners, there is currently not enough scientific evidence to determine efficacy against the virus.

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Life Vision Eyecare’s Protocol

• Sanitize all surfaces (examples include, patient chair, exam equipment, doctor chair) before and after each patient.

• Use EPA approved SARS-CoV-2 (the cause of COVID-19) disinfecting cleaning products in our office.

• Frequently clean shared items around the office, including pens, coffee centers, patient refreshments, etc.

• All employees will use hand sanitizer or wash their hands immediately upon enter into the building

• Place gel hand sanitizer dispensers at every workstation and by every employee entrance and patient entrance

• Require all team members of Life Vision Eyecare to self-monitor for any illness symptoms and immediately contact their supervisor if any symptoms do occur. 

• Frequently Disinfect all waiting room and optical chairs and tables

• Sanitize all eyewear touched before and after each patient has tried them on

• Team members will eat lunch outside or in designated employee lounge areas. No food or drink will be allowed in clinical/patient areas.

• In accordance with MIOSHA, we enforce mask wearing during elevated COVID-19 community transmission levels. Beginning November 2022, masking will be optional at Life Vision Eyecare during low community transmission levels.

• If community transmission increases, masks mandates may be put into place for Life Vision Eyecare staff and patients and visitors based upon the recommendations of the Berrien County Health Department. 

• Life Vision Eyecare will make masks available for patients and visitors 

• Any patient who would prefer our staff to wear a face mask, may ask and the staff will oblige to those requests. 

• Life Vision Eyecare provides appropriate PPE for our team members including: surgical masks, N95 masks, KN-95 masks, eye protection and face shields if necessary. 

• Gloves must be worn by any team member when there is reasonably anticipated contact with blood or “other potentially infectious material” (OPIM).

• Exceptions can be made for special situations; medical condition or children under the age of two years old. 

• Upon entry, every patient and visitor will be encouraged to use the nearby hand sanitizer station. If a patient has any respiratory or flu-like symptoms, yet must be seen, the “COVID-19 suspect” protocol will be followed and the following screening questions will have been asked:

  • Had a fever over 100 degrees in the last 24 hours?

  • Do you have (new or different) shortness of breath?

  • New onset of cough?

  • Have you been diagnosed with COVID in the last 14 days?

  • If the patient requires a companion, the above questions and temperature screening will be required of the companion as well.

  • If the answer to any of these questions are positive, or if the temperature reading is over 100, and they have need of immediate evaluation, they will be directed with one of our doctors on staff.  After speaking with the patient, our triage doctor will determine appropriate treatment. Most patients will be asked to reschedule after 14 days from the day of cancellation.

• Staff returning to work after illness policy: 

  • Please talk to your supervisor about your illness and symptoms. Your supervisor will relay your symptoms to one of the GLEC COVID officers (Dr. Cooper)

  • If there is a high likelihood the illness is NOT COVID (seasonal allergies, mild cough or sneezing or runny nose consistent with typical allergies, etc):

    • Return to work as soon as cleared by a GLEC COVID officer.

  • Symptoms such as sore throat, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, body aches, low grade fever, and new onset of severe headache – will return 24 hours after symptoms abate.

  • If there is a reasonable chance the illness IS COVID;

    • If you have some combination of a new uncontrolled cough, difficulty breathing, a fever over 100 degrees, or anosmia (loss of smell not caused by nasal congestion), you will be advised to contact your doctor. Return to work when cleared by your doctor (in writing) or a negative COVID test and 24 hours after symptoms abate.

  • If diagnosed as COVID:

    • We will follow Berrien County Health Department recommendations.

  • A team member who has been exposed to someone, such as a household family member, who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 should self-monitor for COVID-19 related symptoms for 14 days. However, while self-monitoring, the team member will continue to work as long as they do not have symptoms. 

  • We will follow the BCHD recommendations if contacted specifically about an employee.

• If there are any questions about Life Vision Eyecare's COVID-19 Policy, prior to entering the building, please call 269.367.2626.

 

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