COVID-19

There is still much to learn about the newly emerged coronavirus (COVID-19), including how easily it spreads. Based on what is currently known about COVID-19 and what is known about other coronaviruses, spread is thought to occur mostly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets among close contacts.

As such, the practice of “social distancing” has been implemented in our clinic and surgery center to help our patients not put themselves and others at risk to the spread of any viral disease. We have also started screening people entering the clinic with a series of questions and checking their temperature to minimize viral exposure risk for all. Ways that we can all halt the spread of any virus through social distancing and droplet precautions includes:

• Sitting at least 6 feet away from another patient in the clinic while in the waiting areas
• Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds prior to coming to clinic and after using the restroom. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• If a tissue is available, please cough or sneeze into it. If a tissue is not available, please direct your cough or sneeze into your hand away from the direction of other patients and promptly wash your hands

If you have experienced any upper respiratory symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, congestion, or any fever symptoms within 48 hours of your appointment, please let us know and we will be more than happy to reschedule your appointment when you are feeling better.

Our cleaning protocol for all portions of our clinic and high traffic areas has increased in frequency as recommended by the CDC. All of our patient waiting areas have hand sanitizer, and all of our exam lanes are equipped with hand washing sinks and we encourage our patients to use them freely. If a staff member kindly asks you to help us with social distancing, please realize it is for your safety and the safety of other patients.

For more information about the coronavirus, please visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time and we look forward to continue to help you for all of your eye care needs!

CGCRC now offering Telemedicine Services to Patients

As people practice social distancing and businesses that do not provide emergency services begin to close in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we want you to know that your eye care is still a priority for us. While we are limiting visits to our offices to urgent and emergent visits only, we are implementing a telehealth program so that we may continue to serve our patients during this difficult time. These visits will be billed through your insurance, but your clinic copay will be waived.

If you have a non-critical scheduled appointment, you will receive a call from our staff to either postpone your appointment or to change to a telemedicine visit. Our staff will be requesting that you provide an up to date email, if possible, if you elect for telemedicine services.

There are 4 ways to participate in a telemedicine visit:

1. If you have an iPhone, you can give your number to our staff to participate in a Facetime visit.
2. Download the Skype app for your computer or smartphone. You can log on to Skype if you already have a Microsoft account, if you do not, the Skype app will provide instructions to do so. After downloading the app, please contact our office and let them know you are ready for your telemedicine appointment and you will be scheduled either the same day or the next business day. Please let our front desk which form of face to face communication you prefer.
3. Ask questions through our online patient portal. If you have a login, submit any eye related questions or pictures that you have. If you do not have portal access, please contact our office at 936-564-3600 so login information can be provided.
4. A phone call with a physician can be scheduled during the same business day or next business day depending on availability. Please contact our office at 936-564-3600 to set up this type of encounter. Please note that without visual aid, examination for eye services is very limited, the prior three telemedicine encounter types are preferred. Emergency related phone calls will still be addressed by the on call physician