Combating Covid, Continued.

Is your practice feeling pandemic fatigue? With the Covid-19 crisis continuing to impact lives and livelihoods, more optometric practices are dealing with how to provide eye care safely in an age where even staff and family members are becoming infected.

Here, Bridgitte Shen Lee, O.D., FAAO, FBCLA, FEAOO, co-owner of Houston’s acclaimed Vision Optique, provides five firsthand, from-the-field strategies to meet these challenges head-on and keep your practice running successfully.

STRATEGY #1: ENFORCE STRICT SAFETY PROTOCOLS + OBTAIN VACCINATIONS.

It is critical to continue your strict safety protocols.

Remember to post updates on your website, Google My Business, Yelp, and other social media. Although pandemic fatigue is affecting everyone, positivity rates and hospitalizations are at their highest. It’s critical for staff and patients to continue observing the full-time “mask on” policy at your eyecare practice.

As “direct outpatient health care” providers, optometrists qualify for the second tier of Phase IA Covid-19 vaccine distribution. Check with your local/state distribution sites on scheduling vaccines for the team. As the year goes on, family members who are not in high-risk categories will qualify to receive vaccines, as well.

STRATEGY #2: HIRE A MEDICAL SAFETY OFFICER.

To manage occupancy, our front door has been locked during business hours since May 2020. In August, to assist with safety protocols, we added two part-time medical safety officers who greet patients at the front door, conduct the Covid-19 questionnaire, record temperature and oximetry, disinfect optical tables and chairs, assist with frames UV sterilization, and deliver “curbside service.”

STRATEGY #3: PLAN FOR COVID-19-POSITIVE STAFF + FAMILY.

It’s challenging to maintain smooth practice operations when employees or family members become infected. Patients and team safety should be the top priority. Follow local health authority and CDC guidelines on when to allow infected or exposed employees back to work: bit.ly/CDCreturningtowork.

Employers need to follow the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and provide paid leave according to the six qualifying reasons. Establish an office policy on “Compensation and Safe Return to Work.” Coordinate with your payroll service and accountant on each incident, and track these for possible payroll tax reduction when filing tax returns. Find federal FFCRA info at bit.ly/FFCRAact.

STRATEGY #4: PLAN FOR COVID-19-POSITIVE MANAGING DOCTORS.

Depending on the severity of symptoms, the managing doctor could be out of the practice for two weeks or longer. The managing doctor may need to simultaneously fight infection, implement home safety protocols, conduct contact tracing, reschedule patients, secure relief coverage, and manage business operations from home.

Make plans for business continuity, including remote access to office systems and delegation of responsibilities. Although difficult, it’s crucial to hit the “pause” button and focus on getting health back first!

STRATEGY #5: ADD TELEMEDICINE + ONLINE STORE SERVICES.

Use this opportunity to update your website and add telemedicine and online store services. Our patients have appreciated the convenience of receiving care from the safety of their homes.

Many practices are faced with pandemic fatigue and positive infections. With vaccinations progressing, we need to continue safety protocols, be prepared for infections, and make adjustments to improve in-person and online services. Facing this together, we can lead our teams and support each other to get to the other side. —BRIDGITTE SHEN LEE, O.D., FAAO, FBCLA, FEAOO

DR. BRIDGITTE SHEN LEE is the co-founder of Vision Optique (1999) and founder of iTravelCE (2011). She lectures internationally on the topics of digital eye health, dry eye disease, and ocular aesthetics. She serves as one of the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) global ambassadors and as a medical adviser to The Vision Council.