When Should You Contact the Eye Doctor During the Coronavirus Crisis?

For everyone’s health and safety, ophthalmologists and other doctors have been asked to limit patient interaction by postponing routine examinations during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

Therefore, at Atlantic Medical Eye Care, we have limited office visits to urgent or emergency care.

When to Contact the Eye Doctor during the Coronavirus Crisis

There are certain situations that cannot wait. Patients are encouraged to follow their doctor’s recommendations if they have macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy and they receive regular eye injections.

People who experience the following symptoms should contact their ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) immediately:

• vision changes, such as blurry, wavy, or blank spots in their field of vision
• new floaters or flashes
• sudden loss of vision
• any eye pain accompanied by headache, red eye, nausea, and vomiting

Any of these are classified as eye emergencies. If you are in doubt, please contact our office.

New Protocols for Urgent Office Visits

For patients that need to be seen in the Atlantic Medical Eye Care office, the following procedures will be adopted:

1. You will receive a call prior to your visit at which time your medical history and the current problem will be discussed.
2. Upon your arrival, you will be brought directly to an examination room. Our waiting room will not be in use.
3. If you come to the appointment with a companion, they will be asked to wait in the car.
4. The doctor will request that there be no conversation in the examination room while in close contact (such as when the doctor is looking at your eyes with his equipment).
5. After the doctor has performed the examination, any necessary discussion will be done at a safe distance.

Telemedicine exams may be available for suspected Covid-19 cases

Please be aware that at the time of your visit if you have a cough, fever or have been in contact with someone who has the coronavirus or is suspected of having it, your visit may need to be rescheduled.

Be advised that conjunctivitis (pink eye) can be an indication of Coronavirus. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that 1% of coronavirus patients have conjunctivitis.

Dr. Scharfman may be able to use a telemedicine exam in the form of a phone or video call via computer in isolated cases. These measures have been instituted out of an abundance of caution.

Your Health and Wellbeing are Paramount

The health and safety of our patients and staff are paramount. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these challenging times.