Since the beginning of lockdown, we have been open on a part-time basis, offering help with essential eyecare emergencies, the supply of spectacles and contact lenses and repairs. We have also used the time to review how we would resume routine eye examinations in a safe manner.
Having been open part-time has helped us to decide the safest way to manage the situation we all find ourselves in.
This has involved taking advise from our professional bodies, researching new equipment, watching webinars on patient safety, staff training, talking to colleagues and much more. We are now happy with these arrangements and pleased to be back to our usual opening hours from 23rd June.
Henderson Opticians treat the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff as a priority. We have implemented many extra measures for yours and our protection.
Appointments
We have revised our appointment procedure to accommodate social distancing. This means that not only will we ask patients to book appointments for eye examinations but, also for the collection of spectacles or contact lenses, repairs and adjustments. In this way, we can minimise the number of people in the practice at any one time.
Plastic Chairs
We have replaced some of our fabric covered chairs with ones we can sanitise after every use.
Sanitisers
Sanitiser stations are situated throughout the practice. We would encourage their use on entering the premises and on leaving to maintain a sterile environment.
The plastic screen in the Reception area
Around our reception desk, we have installed a plastic screen/sneeze guard so you and our receptionists can interact freely Breath guards Where possible, breath guards have been installed on instruments that require close proximity to Stephen, our Optometrist.
Instruments
All instruments are sanitised after every patient.
Frames
All frames, which have been tried on, are sanitised before returning to the display. At the moment this is done by alcohol wipes but we are awaiting the arrival of a UVC lightbox. This will sanitise up to 8 frames at a time. UVC light inactivates viruses and disinfects surfaces from bacteria.
PPE
Where social distancing cannot be maintained due to the nature of the service we offer, PPE or just masks will be used. Patients may also wish to wear their own mask or we can provide one if required.
Air steriliser
We are about to take delivery of 3 Air Sanitisers, one for each floor level of the practice. These units neutralise all dangerous airborne particles using UVC lamps in conjunction with Hepa and Carbon filters.
Risk Assessment
We have undertaken a risk assessment across the patients' journey on any visit. We will continue to review our procedures implement changes where necessary.