What to expect when you visit an optician during the Covid-19 pandemic

If you are feeling a little nervous about visiting your optician, we want you to know that our partner opticians have worked hard to adapt their practices for the Covid-19 situation.

New processes in place for your safety

If you feel that your eyesight has changed you should contact your optician who can determine whether an eye examination is required. Opticians have put new protocols into action so that you can still receive quality eye care, choose new frames or get the right prescription glasses and sunglasses.

Our partner opticians are working to comprehensive health and safety measures in line with the latest guidelines set by the government and local public health authorities.

What’s changed?

If you’re hoping to come back to your optician’s practice soon, it is recommended to book an appointment. This allows the practice to know when to expect patients so that social distancing can occur and the practice can be cleaned in between each patient’s visit. If you are early, or the optician is not quite ready for you, you may be asked to wait outside or even in your car.

It’s important that you wash or sanitise your hands when you enter the practice; something that has no doubt become a habit over the last few months wherever you go.

Your optician will be wearing the appropriate PPE to protect both you and themselves. In some instances, you may also be asked to wear some form of PPE for certain eye tests. Your optician will be able to talk you through this.

Some of our partnered opticians will be utilising Essilor equipment, some of which can allow the right amount of distance between you and the optician. The equipment takes advantage of automated operations, meaning you can benefit from social distancing and personalised measurements in one go. This can help in receiving tailor-made lenses for your needs.

After your eye examination, it’s only natural to browse through the different frame styles and various colours to find the right fit for you. Avoid touching any frames without your eye care professional present so that they know exactly which frames need to be disinfected after your appointment. You may be asked to tell your optician which styles and colours you like beforehand, minimising the need to pick up additional frames which can hinder the practice’s efforts to maintain a high standard of hygiene.

Your optician should ensure that everything is cleaned thoroughly after your visit, in preparation for the next patient. This can also give you peace of mind that everything will have been cleaned before your own visit.

Looking after your eye health

It is so important to attend an eye examination every 2 years. Your optician can check for any signs of refractive errors or eye conditions; the earlier these are found, the better. If you have noticed a change in your vision over the last few weeks, you can book an eye examination to make sure everything is as it should be.

It is important to remember to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean. In some rare cases, coronavirus can cause conjunctivitis. This occurs in around 1-3% of affected people, and it tends to happen in the later stages of the disease.

Book an appointment today

If you have noticed a change with your eyesight contact your optician today who will be able to determine whether an appointment is necessary. You can use our optician finder to locate your nearest optician, which will provide you with the necessary contact details to confirm your appointment.

If you are displaying any symptoms of the virus, please let your optician know ahead of your appointment to discuss your options.