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Post by lexilu on Apr 26, 2020 20:59:23 GMT
My daughter and I have our annual eye exams Monday morning at 9:15 and 9:30. We're the first 2 appointments and only patients during this time. We both wear contacts and need new contact supply for the year. Plus, I was planning on ordering a new pair of glasses. Has anyone gone to the eye doctor during Covid19 quarantine? Do you think it's safe to go or too risky. I'm 55 and take high blood pressure meds so that puts me in the at-risk group.
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Post by Suziee2 on Apr 26, 2020 21:06:02 GMT
I am in dire need of going for new glasses. I'm over 60 and on blood pressure medicine, DH is a more compromised category than me x3. I've been putting it off for now. I think it would also depend on what state. NY, CA, MI - no I most definitely would wait.
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Post by Lexica on Apr 26, 2020 21:08:02 GMT
I need to go to the eye doctor too and I’ve been hesitant to make an appointment. I’m actually not sure if the eye department is open at Kaiser right now. You used to be able to make an online appointment and I noticed the other day that it had been removed from the website. I didn’t look around to see if it had just been relocated though. I was actually just on the site to confirm my phone appointment with my doctor.
If I were you, I would call and tell them you are apprehensive and ask what provisions are in place.
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Post by lexilu on Apr 26, 2020 21:10:22 GMT
I am in dire need of going for new glasses. I'm over 60 and on blood pressure medicine, DH is a more compromised category than me x3. I've been putting it off for now. I think it would also depend on what state. NY, CA, MI - no I most definitely would wait. I live in Illinois - suburb of Chicago. |
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Post by lexilu on Apr 26, 2020 21:14:44 GMT
I need to go to the eye doctor too and I’ve been hesitant to make an appointment. I’m actually not sure if the eye department is open at Kaiser right now. You used to be able to make an online appointment and I noticed the other day that it had been removed from the website. I didn’t look around to see if it had just been relocated though. I was actually just on the site to confirm my phone appointment with my doctor. If I were you, I would call and tell them you are apprehensive and ask what provisions are in place. I called on Friday ... they told me we would be the first 2 patients on Monday morning and they wipe down all their equipment between patients. |
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QueenoftheSloths
Drama Llama
Member Since January 2004, 2,698 forum posts PeaNut Number: 122614 PeaBoard Title: StuckOnPeas
Posts: 5,955 
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Apr 26, 2020 21:27:45 GMT
Will the doctor wear a mask? Will you wear a mask?
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Post by christine58 on Apr 26, 2020 21:29:39 GMT
All of NY is not like NYC. Where I live, we have had NO positive cases and there's two nursing homes here so YES I would go. In fact I went and had blood drawn last week and was not worried. Tired of being afraid. |
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Post by idahopea on Apr 26, 2020 21:46:04 GMT
I had to go for an emergency appointment with the ophthalmologist last week. I had a small hole in my retina where it had pulled away from my eye. They told me they cleaned the entire room before my arrival and no one else would be using the room even if I left for a procedure or test until I was all finished. Each person working on me wore a mask and so did I. That said, there is no way to have an eye procedure and maintain 6 feet apart so there was a risk but I really didn't have a choice. I probably was in contact with 7 or 8 people in 2 different offices over a few hours because I had to have a laser procedure. So far no symptoms. Fingers crossed! Hand sanitizer and a temperature check was mandatory at the door. I would think a regular eye exam would be safer than what I had. There's no way to know how long you would have to wait once it is safe to go again so I would probably go if you need a new prescription. If you could get a few pairs of contacts to hold you over then I would probably wait. I did shower and change clothes once I got home.
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Post by Sharon on Apr 26, 2020 22:27:32 GMT
I would go. I've already been to the eye doctor to have my glasses adjusted.
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
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Post by scrapngranny on Apr 26, 2020 22:43:03 GMT
For me it would completely depend on where I lived. How active is the virus in your area. If it is really active I would skip it. If there aren’t many cases in your area I would go, sanitized my hands and arms, and take a shower when I got home.
I was set to keep my dentist appointment last week, until I realized they had not texted me to remind me of the appointment. I called and got a message that they were closed indefinitely. I felt safe going, DH didn’t agree.
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Post by birukitty on Apr 26, 2020 22:52:57 GMT
I always have my annual eye appointment every April. For me it's easy to remember because April is my birthday month. I also wear contacts and I can tell I need to update my contact lens prescription because it's getting harder for me to see far away and to read things, but it's not so bad that I can't wait awhile. I wear one prescription in one eye for far away and one in the other eye for close up. I've decided to wait this year and haven't gone in yet. I don't feel comfortable having an eye exam at this point because of Covid19. I've seen the same eye doctor for years and I love her-she's amazing. But she has to get very close during the exam and if she's doing eye exams on various people during the day-well for me that doesn't feel safe yet.
I'm just going to reorder the same prescription for new contact lens-I wear the daily disposables-they last me 3 months until things change.
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Post by hop2 on Apr 26, 2020 23:13:28 GMT
IMO
the time to decide that was Thursday or Friday - if your the first 2 appointments of the day it would be quite rude not to show up without canceling. If you had doubts you should have called last week to discuss that.
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Post by cindyupnorth on Apr 26, 2020 23:16:41 GMT
I've been a door screener at the eye clinic a few times in the last months here where I live, and the eye center has been business as usual. Granted I live in an area with low cases, but there are still positive cases in our area. They are cleaning between cases and wearing masks. If you feel better about it, you could wear a mask too. Most clinics are also doing temps, and stay home if sick for employees, but of course there is the asymptomatic. I guess I would go, if cases are low in your area. There have been a lot of elderly that come in weekly for shots in their eyes that are essential, and have been safe so far.
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Post by roberta on Apr 26, 2020 23:18:59 GMT
My eye doc cancelled my annual appointment. Have you checked with the doctor to see if they are still seeing patients and what precautions they have in place? I have issues with my eyes but am in an at risk category so for now I will wait until it is safer unless I start having difficulties.
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Post by chaosisapony on Apr 26, 2020 23:33:49 GMT
The Optometrist I worked for has shut down heeding the guidance of the State Board of Optometry. But I have heard that other local Optometrists are still seeing patients. Personally, when the State board of whatever says something isn't safe, I tend to heed that advice. Since you are in a higher risk group I would ask the doctor to extend your current CL prescription and hold off on shopping for glasses.
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johnnysmom
Drama Llama
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Apr 26, 2020 23:35:58 GMT
All of NY is not like NYC. Where I live, we have had NO positive cases and there's two nursing homes here so YES I would go. In fact I went and had blood drawn last week and was not worried. Tired of being afraid. ITA. On that same note, all of Michigan is not like Detroit. While we have a few cases in my county there's only 6 hospitalized and zero deaths. I don't know if any eye clinics are seeing non-emergent cases but if they were and I had an appointment I would go. |
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Post by SallyPA on Apr 26, 2020 23:54:30 GMT
Yes I would. I’ve been having vision changes and headaches and would go tomorrow if I could, instead of my June appt.
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Post by salem on Apr 26, 2020 23:55:02 GMT
I would go. At no other time will these Doctor offices be as clean as they are right now. If he doesn’t put a mask on it provide one for you, walk. I think it will be fine and I have health issues that I guess would put me at risk.
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Post by catmom on Apr 27, 2020 0:01:50 GMT
I somehow didn’t realize that any optometrists were open - they aren’t open here. I personally wouldn’t go unless it was an emergency but it depends on the situation in your area. Can’t wait to be able to go though - my distance sight has started getting bad and I really need my prescription updated.
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Post by kachilyn on Apr 27, 2020 0:46:19 GMT
My annual exam in mid March was canceled - first moved to mid April, then canceled indefinitely. The practice is currently closed, due to the virus. They let me buy contacts at my current prescription, enough to last till mid July. I'm not their top priority - no risk factors, same RX for years but always get an annual exam so I can buy contacts for another year and to make sure none of the things I'm at risk for due to family history (unlikely to start for another two decades) are popping up. I wasn't totally comfortable going so happy they canceled. Hoping by mid July it will be ok again - I'll happily wear a mask!
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Post by Zee on Apr 27, 2020 0:49:01 GMT
I would be zero percent worried about going to an eye appointment.
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kate
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Apr 27, 2020 0:58:21 GMT
I would not go for any kind of routine appointment. In fact, I have a gyn appt in May that I need to cancel (assuming they're even seeing people) - I don't want to be anywhere near the air around the hospital.
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by Belle on Apr 27, 2020 1:01:58 GMT
Our eye doctor is closed as are all dentists and orthodontist through mid-May.
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kelly8875
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Post by kelly8875 on Apr 27, 2020 1:25:57 GMT
I would go, wearing a mask.
I’ve been to 3 other dr appointments during this time as well. I figured if they didn’t cancel me, then I’d go. But we’ve had some appointments moved to summer as well.
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Post by lisae on Apr 27, 2020 1:31:46 GMT
Here I would go. My mother has a retina treatment in a couple of weeks and I plan to take her as scheduled unless they postpone. I doubt they will since her vision may deteriorate if she doesn't keep up her treatments.
DH had a tooth removed and a bone graft done this past week. The dentist office took every precaution I think they could take. They made me use hand sanitizer as soon as I walked in the door and complete a form about my own health and I wasn't going any further than the waiting room and wasn't even staying there but only a few minutes. There was no one else even in the waiting room. I was pleased with how careful they were.
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 20:12:22 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 1:39:54 GMT
My daughter and I have our annual eye exams Monday morning at 9:15 and 9:30. We're the first 2 appointments and only patients during this time. We both wear contacts and need new contact supply for the year. Plus, I was planning on ordering a new pair of glasses. Has anyone gone to the eye doctor during Covid19 quarantine? Do you think it's safe to go or too risky. I'm 55 and take high blood pressure meds so that puts me in the at-risk group. Nope. I'm still wearing an eye patch and my eye surgeon has postponed all of my future surgeries for now. (I was waiting anyway, since DH is getting chemo and his health comes first). Point being that I'm still in need of 1-2 more eye surgeries and it's pretty important, but we're waiting. My surgeon said she'd only take trauma cases right now.
As for new glasses or contacts? We're both due and we're both waiting. We're even waiting to reschedule with the Retina specialist. DH has diabetes and I am monicular, so my retina doctor visits are pretty urgent. STILL, we're waiting until this virus has stopped (NO new cases for 2 + weeks).
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 20:12:22 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 1:41:53 GMT
I had to go for an emergency appointment with the ophthalmologist last week. I had a small hole in my retina where it had pulled away from my eye. They told me they cleaned the entire room before my arrival and no one else would be using the room even if I left for a procedure or test until I was all finished. Each person working on me wore a mask and so did I. That said, there is no way to have an eye procedure and maintain 6 feet apart so there was a risk but I really didn't have a choice. I probably was in contact with 7 or 8 people in 2 different offices over a few hours because I had to have a laser procedure. So far no symptoms. Fingers crossed! Hand sanitizer and a temperature check was mandatory at the door. I would think a regular eye exam would be safer than what I had. There's no way to know how long you would have to wait once it is safe to go again so I would probably go if you need a new prescription. If you could get a few pairs of contacts to hold you over then I would probably wait. I did shower and change clothes once I got home. Prayers that your recovery is coming along well. Ouch!!! Hope you feel better. xo |
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Post by teddyw on Apr 27, 2020 1:43:25 GMT
My bff’s daughter is an optometrist. She goes back to work tomorrow. They have all the PPE now but are still seeing people on a need based priority.
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TXMary
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And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
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Post by TXMary on Apr 27, 2020 2:12:33 GMT
I was able to get an extra 6-month supply of contacts. My eye doctor is currently open for emergencies only. No routine exams. If I wasn’t having any problems, I probably wouldn’t go.
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Post by idahopea on Apr 27, 2020 17:03:34 GMT
I had to go for an emergency appointment with the ophthalmologist last week. I had a small hole in my retina where it had pulled away from my eye. They told me they cleaned the entire room before my arrival and no one else would be using the room even if I left for a procedure or test until I was all finished. Each person working on me wore a mask and so did I. That said, there is no way to have an eye procedure and maintain 6 feet apart so there was a risk but I really didn't have a choice. I probably was in contact with 7 or 8 people in 2 different offices over a few hours because I had to have a laser procedure. So far no symptoms. Fingers crossed! Hand sanitizer and a temperature check was mandatory at the door. I would think a regular eye exam would be safer than what I had. There's no way to know how long you would have to wait once it is safe to go again so I would probably go if you need a new prescription. If you could get a few pairs of contacts to hold you over then I would probably wait. I did shower and change clothes once I got home. Prayers that your recovery is coming along well. Ouch!!! Hope you feel better. xo Thank you so much! Believe it or not, the laser was only mildly uncomfortable during the procedure because my eye was numbed with drops. They probably zapped my eye about 40 times. No pain after either. The worst part was having my eyes dilated! If any of you see floaters AND any flashes of light, get to an ophthalmologist asap to preserve your vision. I only very briefly saw what looked like bright parenthesis in the sides of my vision and only in the dark. I also had tiny grey bubble looking dots in the background of 1 eye which they said was another warning. A couple of floaters without the other symptoms is normal. If you look at a bright white surface you can see the tiny dots. |
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