COVID-19

Edward Jenner vaccinating his child against smallpox; coloured engraving. Wellcome Library, London (CC BY 4.0)

During this difficult time with COVID-19, Retina Specialists would like to send our best regards to all our colleagues and patients.

Retina Specialists remains open to care for our patients with appropriate safety measures in place. Over the level 4 lockdown period, we limited our services the urgent and critical care only. As the alert level gradually climbs down, we will be expanding our medical services to the rest of our patients.

As the Director General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, previously stated, ongoing care of chronic condition is classified as an essential service, and delayed assessment and treatment in retinal condition can lead to a worsening of vision. Our ophthalmologists have reviewed all the upcoming appointments and made appropriate plans for our patients. If you feel that your appointment needs to be deferred, please contact us and let us know. Our staff will explain to you if there is any clinical risk of doing so. For those whose appointments have been deferred, please immediately reach out to our team if there is any deterioration in your vision.

We have done everything we can to ensure your safety during your visit to our practice. All our staff wear masks to protect our patients. Appointments are limited to ensure there are sufficient physical distance in the waiting room, with markers placed for physical separation. Staff also take extra care with hand hygiene and equipment cleaning to make your visit as safe as possible. We do not think your visit to our practice will pose any additional risk to your health.

During this period of time, we would kindly request, unless exceptional circumstances, if your support person can wait outside the Birthcare Building or in your car to minimise the number of people in the waiting room. If support persons must be present, our receptionist will keep a record of their personal and contact details.

Finally, we firmly believe that, with dedication and ingenuity, COVID-19 will eventually be defected and normality will ensue again. As the Queen stated in her broadcast,

”Better days will return. We will be with our friends again. We will be with our families again. We will meet again”.

In the mean time, please stay safe and look after yourself.