FAQS: Covid-19 Procedures For Exams And Surgeries

Should I get LASIK surgery during the pandemic?

LASIK surgery is an elective procedure. There has actually been an increase in refractive surgeries like LASIK during the pandemic. Patient interest has increased due to the flexibility that working from home provides for ease of recovery and scheduling. Patients find that it is more convenient to wear a mask without worrying about their glasses fogging up. There are also the added benefits of not having to touch the eyes to put contacts in and reduced potential of corneal infections from contact lens wear. Patients have found that investing in refractive surgery has allowed them to take control of their vision, and thus a part of their environment and future, during an uncertain time.

Ophthalmic practices and laser eye surgery centers should have various precautions and safety measures to minimize risk associated with COVID-19 infection. LASIK and other refractive surgeries continue to be performed under standard conditions of cleanliness. Check with your ophthalmic practice to see what safety measures have been implemented to minimize COVID-19 risk to patients, staff and the community.

I would like to book an in-person appointment. How can I reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus?

The best ways to reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus are to wear a mask, practice good hygiene, avoid unnecessary social interactions, and practice social distancing when you have to be in a social setting. Coastal Vision Medical has taken several steps to safeguard our patients, staff, and community.

What enhanced measures are being taken at Coastal Vision Medical to keep patients, staff, and the community safe and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for in-person appointments?

If you have had contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past 14 days, we kindly ask you to please inform us so we can reschedule your appointment to a later date.

• All patients and staff will be screened upon arrival with an infrared temperature check to rule out fever

• Patients with a temperature over 100 °F may be asked to reschedule their appointment

• All patients and staff are required to wear masks or face coverings in the office

• We respectfully request patient companions to wait in the car unless necessary for physical assistance or a language barrier

• Installation of plexiglass barrier at our front desk

• Installation of plastic eye shield screens on diagnostic equipment in exams rooms to create a barrier between patient and staff during close-proximity testing

• All exam rooms, diagnostic equipment, and the surgical suite are disinfected before every patient encounter

• Common touchpoints in the office are sterilized hourly

• We have decreased the number of appointments per physician per day to reduce the number of patients in the office at any given time

• We now request a prescreening questionnaire to be submitted online before your consultation appointment

• We are offering TeleMedicine including Virtual Consultations and Virtual Follow-Ups (for select appointment types) as options

• Prior to your appointment, a staff member will call you with reminders about our changes and pre-screening questions

What COVID-19 precautions do I need to take prior to having refractive surgery?

Many preoperative preparations remain the same. In addition to the standard preparations that your LASIK team will discuss with you, it is recommended that you reduce your risk of contracting the coronavirus ahead of your surgery. Avoiding unnecessary social interactions will help to keep you and your medical team safe as you prepare for surgery. After surgery, continue to practice these same measures to protect yourself as you recover.

Do I need to have a COVID-19 test before refractive surgery?

The requirement of COVID-19 testing before refractive surgery is at the discretion of the surgery center where your surgery will be performed. Check with your ophthalmic practice to see what they require.

Our surgeons, doctors, and staff at Coastal Vision vaccinated?

Vaccination has been made available for all surgeons, doctors, and staff at Coastal Vision.

Ready to Book an Appointment or LASIK Consultation?

Schedule your appointment or free LASIK consultation with Coastal Vision Medical at one of our convenient locations in Irvine, Long Beach, Norco, or Orange, CA. We look forward to seeing you!