Sunday December 20, 2020 | LANGFORD, BC [Updated 10:45 pm Dec 20, 2020 and 4 pm Dec 21, 2020]
by Mary P Brooke, B.Sc., editor | Island Social Trends
When the COVID-19 pandemic first surged this spring in BC they had to shut down for a while. But by summer it felt good to be back, says Dr Louise Morin about the optometry clinic that she and her husband and fellow optometrist Dr Brian Joslin have operated in central Langford for over 30 years.
The COVID journey:
Deep in Phase 1 in March the office was closed and all spring break appointments cancelled. During April and May the optometry doctor pair dealt only with emergencies. Starting in June, staff were recalled in small numbers. There was some catching up with backlog for any patients who had new symptoms or anything else that couldn’t wait. Other patients had their recall appointments staggered over a period of months. The usual 6-month recall for people with active eye care concerns is still in place.
For senior patients, each one of them got a phone call earlier this year, and anyone with a problem was given the option for an appointment. Otherwise, patients are kept on schedule for their next regular appointment.
Mid-COVID reopening:
To be in line with health protocols Dr Joslin & Dr Morin reopened their clinic on Goldstream Avenue in central Langford in June, seeing just one patient per hour in the clinic. “It’s not instinct to build in the disinfecting process as we go,” says Dr Morin. That takes more time for each patient. “It makes for longer days,” she says.
But as things became more routine, by the third week of June they were able to see more patients. People are to arrive on time for appointments to avoid have people gathering in the reception area. If they’re early they will be asked to wait in their car.
Directional arrows on the floors keep people distanced. All patients are to wear a mask as they arrive, and during the appointment. All clinic staff wear masks throughout the day. There is a plexiglass barrier at the front reception desk.
Fewer staff are in the office at one time, for physical distancing. The office hours have been extended in order to reduce the number of patients and staff being in the office at any one time.
Patients who had recall appointments from a pre-COVID time are given the choice to keep their appointment or rebook. Appointments for picking up glasses must be made in advance so that the number of people in the office is limited.
Some people’s concerns can be screened by phone so they don’t need to come to the office if they wish to avoid being in the community during COVID. Early in the pandemic, if a person’s situation was considered an emergency it was redirected to hospital emergency.
“Emergencies are now seen at the office and triaged before directed to a specialist or the hospital,” says Dr Morin. Ocular emergencies include flashes and floaters, pain in the eye, loss or reduction of vision, and sudden double vision.
People with eye concerns that are not life threatening but require prompt attention – such as a foreign bodies in their eye — are seen for an appointment right away.
Adaptation to the protocols:
Dr Morin said all the COVID-related protocols were something the doctors and staff were “still getting used to”. Thinking of a patient as a potential threat is “super hard”, she said, as the doctors and staff prepared to head into Phase 2 in June. Now in Phase 3 they are comfortable with the protocols, deep in this second wave where everyone is especially careful.
Everyone wants to follow the public health protocols – doctors, staff and patients – as health is the top priority.
Seeing children for back-to-school vision needs was part of their August patient profile, and through the fall term. But anything that is not urgent has been postponed.
Daily routine:
Two doctors attend the clinic each day, instead of the usual three, to help reduce exposure. Staff have plexiglass visors to wear as required, and gloves. Masks are available for staff and for patients if they forget to wear one to their appointment.
Everyone is reminded not to touch their masks during the day, and to wash or sanitize their hands frequently. Hand sanitizing is done at the start of the appointment, after putting on or adjusting a mask, and after touching any equipment or dealing directly with the patient during an exam or procedure. Not all of the same equipment is used as before; the touch-contact factor is considered.
Exam rooms have shower curtains in place for protection of any potential COVID spread. “We have put barriers everywhere we could,” explains Dr Morin. Incoming patients are met in the corridor, and distance is maintained between everyone except of course during the active part of the eye exam. The patient’s history or current situation is reviewed ahead of time so that exam room time is minimized.
“We do what’s necessary. Ocular health issues are our focus. If their glasses are good, we wait on that,” she said. “We prioritize for safety. We’re all waiting for a vaccine to get this under control,” said Dr Morin.
Parking spaces:
The office has assigned parking spots, in the lot shared with West Shore Learning Centre and Calveley Enterprises Ltd. Optometry patients are asked to use the spots marked “Reserved for Dr Joslin Customers”.
There is also street parking and also public parking lots close by.
WorkSafeBC & Canadian Association of Optometrists:
The clinic is following the WorkSafeBC guidelines and the Canadian Association of Optometrists. “The college gave us some direction,” said Dr Morin.
Moving forward into 2021:
It’s all very different. “It’s less fun but can be done,” says Dr Morin about how she and her fellow optometrists and staff are managing as the pandemic continues. Approaching Christmas will see a bit of slowdown, then comes a brand new year with vaccination on the horizon at varying stages for people in BC.
Getting in touch:
Dr Joslin & Dr Morin’s popular clinic that can be found online at www.langfordoptometrists.com has received recognition as a top optometry service in the west shore region for many years. That includes having received local business awards which showcase their popularity in the local business community. This year they won “Best Eye Care in the Westshore in 2020”.
The clinic will be open until December 24, then reopening on January 2 after the Christmas holiday break.
In 2021 the pandemic seems to be rolling out for another year. But it will be business as ‘the new usual’ for Brian and Louise’s clinic, their team, and their commitment to the highest possible level of safety for everyone they serve.
