At Sabates Eye Centers, the health and wellness of our patients and staff are always our top priority. While information about COVID-19 is constantly evolving, our protocols follow healthcare guidelines from the CDC and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
Facemasks for our patients are now optional, however are strongly encouraged. Our staff is still required to wear masks at all times.
Before arriving at our locations, please know:
- If you are experiencing covid-like symptoms (runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, loss of smell or taste), please call to reschedule your appointment at 913-261-2020. Please do not arrive if you are not feeling well.
- Masks are optional, but strongly encouraged.
- Please arrive only 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Please limit the number of visitors that may accompany you.
ARE YOU FEELING WELL?
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms (such as a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat or fever), please call to reschedule your appointment at 913-261-2020. Please do not arrive if you are not feeling well.
MASKS
Masks are now optional but strongly recommended in our locations. Our providers and staff will continue to wear masks at all times.
VISITOR POLICY
Please limit guests that accompany the patient to only those that are needed.
LOCATIONS
Hand sanitizer is available throughout our facilities. Our equipment are fitted with breath shields as necessary. Rest assured that our teams continually wipe down and disinfect all surfaces throughout the day.
We look forward to caring for you!
COVID-19 AND THE EYES
When a sick person coughs or talks, virus particles can spray from their mouth or nose into another person’s face, which can enter through your eyes. People who have coronavirus can also spread the illness through their tears. Touching tears or a surface where tears have landed can be another portal to infection. You can also become infected by touching something that has the virus on it — like a table or doorknob — and then touching your eyes.
Coronavirus may cause pink eye — but it’s rare
Health officials believe viral pink eye, or conjunctivitis, develops in about 1% to 3% of people with coronavirus.
Four ways to help yourself and others:
It’s important to remember that although there is a lot of concern about coronavirus, common sense precautions can significantly reduce your risk of getting infected. So, wash your hands a lot, follow good contact lens hygiene and avoid touching or rubbing your nose, mouth and especially your eyes.
1. If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses for a while.
Contact lens wearers touch their eyes more than the average person. Consider wearing glasses more often, especially if you tend to touch your eyes a lot when your contacts are in.
2. Wearing glasses may add a layer of protection.
Corrective lenses or sunglasses can shield your eyes from infected respiratory droplets. But they don’t provide 100% security. If you’re caring for a sick patient or potentially exposed person, safety goggles may offer a stronger defense.
3. Stock up on eye medicine prescriptions if you can.
Experts advise patients to stock up on critical medications, so that you’ll have enough to get by if you are quarantined or if supplies become limited. But this may not be possible for everyone. If your insurance allows you to get more than 1 month of essential eye medicine, such as glaucoma drops, you should do so. Some insurers will approve a 3-month supply of medication in times of natural disaster. Ask your pharmacist or our office for help if you have trouble getting approval from your insurance company. And as always, request a refill as soon as you’re due. Don’t wait until the last minute to contact your pharmacy.
4. Avoid rubbing your eyes.
While it can be hard to break this natural habit, doing so will lower your risk of infection. If you feel an urge to itch or rub your eye or even to adjust your glasses, use a tissue instead of your fingers. Dry eyes can lead to more rubbing, so consider adding moisturizing drops to your eye routine. If you must touch your eyes for any reason — even to administer eye medicine — wash your hands first with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we do our part to limit the spread of the coronavirus while continuing to provide the highest quality care.
