The year 2020 began with much fanfare as “The Year of Sight,” with eye care providers worldwide focused on bringing the life-changing benefits of LASIK, PRK, and Implantable Collamer Lens surgery to their patients. With so many new technologies, optometrists and ophthalmologists have more options than ever before to treat the growing number of people requiring glasses and contact lenses.

How COVID-19 Changed Eye Care

Then on March 11th 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic, and the United States declared a state of emergency just two days later. The reaction was brisk, with schools closed, and many adults working from home or not at all. Many eye care providers reduced to emergency-only or closed completely. Life as we knew it changed in a fundamental way. 

Finally, on April 23rd, the Georgia Department of Public Health began reporting a decline in statewide cases. Although we have had some fluctuations, the curve appears “flattened” for the time being. And now Georgians are trying to find a way back to their usual activities.  

Eye Care In Georgia Today

Three months into this pandemic, we have made great progress. Vaccine and treatment trials are well underway, hospitals are catching up on supplies and improving protocols, and production of essential items like masks, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper are catching up to demand. Businesses across our state are finding new ways to implement safety measures as they cautiously reopen to the public—including eye clinics like Milan Eye Center. As medical professionals, we take the health and safety of our patients, staff, and community very seriously. Most clinics have adopted extensive protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Patients scheduled for eye surgery during the initial shutdown were postponed. And unfortunately, in these times, more people have found themselves frustrated with glasses and contact lenses due to mask-related fogging, seasonal allergies, and increased screen time. Fortunately, the CDC, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology have released guidance on resuming elective procedures. As we carefully open back up, it will look a bit different around our offices, but we want to assure you as the patient that we are here to take care of and protect you from COVID-19.

You can expect the following changes at Milan Eye Center: 

  1. Patients and guests will have their temperatures taken before entry, and will be pre-screened for any signs of COVID-19 (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, etc).
  2. Enhanced virtual services to improve the check-in process, allow telemedicine options, and increase at-home educational opportunities. 
  3. Additional visitors may be limited to essential caretakers and translators only. We have loved having family members in the past, but right now our patients’ safety comes first.
  4. Your healthcare team will be wearing masks and personal protective equipment. They will have had their own temperature checks and symptom screening before interacting with patients and other staff members. 
  5. Many clinics have added plexiglass barriers and air purification systems to further block potential routes of transmission.  
  6. The degree and frequency of sanitization for the exam room, equipment, and high touch surfaces have been expanded.  
  7. Waiting rooms have been reconfigured to allow adequate social distancing.

These preventive measures combined with strict adherence to the already rigorous sterile protocols for surgical suites and procedure rooms make for a safe and positive patient experience. Modern vision correction surgery goes beyond traditional LASIK and offers a variety of procedures with safe and effective results. As we continue to adapt and overcome this change in our community, we believe we can resume our excitement for 2020 as: “The Year of Sight.”

Thank you Frontline Heroes!

From now until August 1, all healthcare providers (physicians and nurses), first responders, grocery clerks, and truck drivers can receive $800 OFF LASIK!

Schedule an Appointment Online

Or call 678-381-2020