The physicians and staff of Retina Associates of Missouri are committed to the safety and health of our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are, therefore, following the guidelines of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retinal Specialists as well as those of local authorities while we begin to reopen our clinic to accommodate all patients.
In order to keep our patients, staff, and community safe, all patients will continue to be screened at our front entrance to ensure that they are not at high risk of COVID-19 infection including travel to high risk areas, contact with known or suspected COVID-19 patients, or displaying symptoms of viral infection. When possible, patients should enter the clinic alone and those accompanying the patient should remain outside the clinic during the patient visit unless their presence is absolutely necessary. Patients will be directed to remain in their vehicle until they are called in for the examination. Once inside the clinic, patients will be kept distant from each other as much as possible and the visit will be expedited to reduce risk of exposure.
Because the examination and treatment of retinal conditions is done face to face and patients with COVID-19 can be asymptomatic, our physicians and staff will be taking measures to minimize the risk of droplet transmission via slit lamp shields and thorough disinfection of all surfaces and instruments.
All patients will be required to wear a mask. Please bring your own mask as we are not sure how long our supplies will last. Also, please refrain from wearing gloves as they have not been shown to be of benefit. Rather, patients will be asked to wash their hands at the office before and after their examination.
We fully understand and regret the inconvenience and sacrifices of all those involved during this difficult time but are hopeful that the above measures will help control the rate and incidence of COVID-19 infection in our patients and in our community. In this way, we will continue our mission of saving sight, improving lives, and offering hope.
