EYES OPEN

Introducing the new normal at The Eye Place

Never did we imagine when going into 2020 that countries worldwide would be placed in lockdown due to a global pandemic. As Covid-19 filtered into the UK, guidance for healthcare changed daily. Eventually restrictions were placed across healthcare services, resulting in opticians only offering emergency or essential eye care. It was at this point that we closed our (always open) doors at The Eye Place and worked remotely, answering calls and emails and only seeing patients for essential eye care within the guidelines of the new restrictions.

Throughout lockdown with minimal staff we continued to provide our services where possible, giving guidance when needed and placing repeat orders for spectacles and contact lenses which were delivered to patients either via post, and in some cases directly with appropriate measurements implemented . Although we had to pause our usual services, we wanted to continue to support our local community in as many ways as possible.

Fast forward three months and restrictions are slowly being lifted and our services can resume with some limitations. We have seen social distancing measures being put in place across shops all over the country and our practices are no different.

As healthcare professionals we already adhere to many of these measures to provide a clean and clinical environment for our patients and respect their personal space. At all our Eye Place practices we have invested in advanced technology such as OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and Optomap, which allow our optometrists to assess the back of the eye in detail to provide a more advanced evaluation of your eyes health, at a safe distance. This technology has been a key part of our eye examinations for many years now and is recommended to all. Additional measures include protective screens, regular cleaning of surfaces, chairs and eye wear, and the use of PPE for all appointments, all of which will be kept in place from now on as we enter into our new normal. As a result of social distancing guidelines, visits to The Eye Place are by appointment only, ensuring minimal contact with others and the undivided attention of our eye care professionals. It’s a VIP personal shopping experience for eye care and eye wear. Understandably, venturing out is still daunting for some, which is why our optometrists and clinical team are available for phone consultations, to discuss visual concerns and orders from the comfort of your home.

To add to our list of social distancing measures we have a brand-new piece of technology coming soon to a select few Eye Place practices, offering a contact-free method of dispensing spectacles personalised to you. Whether you are a new or existing patient please be aware that we are available to help with any concerns so feel free to get in touch and arrange a consultation at a time that suits you. Peace of mind at a safe distance.

THE EYE PLACE Belsize Park, Fleet Stret, Fitzrovia, Spitalfields the-eye-place.co.uk