Hi friends,
We’re still open – for now. Here’s why.
The rise of the COVID-19 virus is scary and uncertain. Currently, we know that amazing healthcare staff are working around the clock in hospitals and urgent care centres to care for the Calgarians streaming through their doors.
While Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer has not recommended that small businesses such as hours close at this time, we have discussed whether that would be advisable to promote social distancing. However, if we close, then people with eye health issues – eye infections, injuries and the like – will need to go to those very hospitals and urgent care centres to be seen, further filling spaces that are quickly becoming overwhelmed.
In fact, one of the many possible symptoms of COVID-19 is an eye infection however please keep in mind the vast majority of eye infections remain unrelated to COVID-19.
So for the time being, our clinic will stay open and available. We aim to serve you and our community, and the best way we can do that right now is by continuing to offer the best medical care we can. This is not a business decision, it is a decision about supporting the health and wellness of our community.
If you are feeling any symptoms of sickness, we ask that you give us a call before you come and let us know, so that we can properly care for you and ensure that you interact with as few people as possible. Our number is 403 474 6744.
In this time, we have drastically increased our sanitizing – while we always clean medical equipment between patients, we have added cleaning chairs, door handles and other hard surfaces between patients as well instead of our usual schedule. We’ve even added cleaning frames after people pick them up. If you try on a frame, sit in a chair, touch a countertop in our space – you can trust that it is sanitized and clean.
You will not see a lot of people in our office – you will be examined by one doctor, and connect with one or two of our front desk team members. Each of our team is staying home if they have any symptoms of being sick, so the people you will interact with will be healthy.
One of the other ways we can support you right now is via delivery of contact lenses. If you have a valid prescription for contacts from any optometrist and are quarantined or practicing social distancing, you can order contacts through our website or over the phone or email and we will ship them to you with no delivery charge.
We’re a small, independent business – and we know that the impacts of this crisis will be felt most on the ground, by contractors, small businesses and their communities. If we are going to spend money anyway, let’s spend it locally, ordering food from local restaurants, buying online from local businesses and supporting local charities, and when it is safe returning to those spaces in person. The more each of us supports local, the more likely our local economy can continue to grow.
Together, we will get through this. Be kind. Wash your hands. Stay out of large crowds. Support your neighbours.
With hope, the team at Eye Spy Optometry – Laura, Marley, Lara, Dr. Andrea Quon and Dr. Mark Ross