Last updated 19th May 2022
Easing of Restrictions
Whilst COVID-19 restrictions are now eased for the general public in most settings, Scottish Government has confirmed that specific guidance for primary care settings, including optical practices, remains in place. The College of Optometrists Green phase guidance now applies in Scotland, so practices should continue to:
The requirement for physical distancing has been removed.
Routine appointments can be arranged by telephone during our normal hours of business, or booked online.
Telephone Triage – we are operating a telephone triage service during our normal hours of business. Whilst this is primarily intended to provide patients with access to emergency appointments, we are also on the end of the telephone to give advice, information and take orders during our normal business hours.
Out of hours, please contact NHS 24 for advice.
Video Consultations – where it is felt to be appropriate to do so, we can offer online video consultations using NHS Near Me (Attend Anywhere). Video calling is as convenient as a phone call, with the added value of face-to-face communication. It can save you time and money and brings your care closer to home.
This is a private and secure video call service for patients with pre-arranged appointment times, where you will be invited to enter a ‘virtual waiting room‘. If you do not have an appointment scheduled, your call will not be answered.
Browser compatibility – to access the service you need to use either Google Chrome or Safari. You will be given the opportunity to test your connection speed.
Face-To-Face Appointments – You will be contacted before you attend your appointment to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. If a parent/carer/guardian or interpreter needs to come with you, they will also be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before you attend.
If you have a high temperature or fever, a new persistent cough or shortness of breath, have developed a recent change/loss of taste or smell or have any other symptoms suggestive of a respiratory virus or infection (including the flu), please do not book your appointment. Patients experiencing symptoms should cancel any scheduled appointment over the phone and re-book when they are fully recovered.
When you attend the practice the Optometrist and practice staff will be wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep everyone safe. Protective screens have also been installed around the reception and dispensing areas.
Hand sanitiser will be made available for you to use when you enter, and before you leave the practice. You will be asked to wear a face covering during your time in the examination rooms, as this is still strongly recommended for health care environments unless you are medically exempt. If possible, you should attend your appointment on your own and do not bring unnecessary belongings with you. Infection control measures are still in place and appointment times have been spaced out to allow the practice to be disinfected between patients.
If you need to choose new glasses, all of our frames are safe to handle and try on as they are sanitised routinely. If you need a repair or adjustment made to your own glasses these will also need to be sanitised, so you should be prepared for this service to take a little longer than usual – you may be asked to leave your glasses with us and return later to collect them depending on what needs done.
Contact Lens Wearers – Patients interested in trying contact lenses can book a contact lens trial appointment by telephone. If you currently get your contact lenses from us, we will be in touch when your contact lens specification is due to expire and your routine aftercare appointment is due. Contact lens patients with changes in vision or eye health concerns should get in touch, as an earlier appointment may be required.
If you usually visit the practice to purchase dry eye products (eye drops, eye ointments, lid wipes) or eye supplements, you can continue to do so. We can also supply you with these by post directly to your home for a small additional fee. Please telephone us to place your order.
If you have questions, or require special assistance then please give us a call on 01683 221125.
You can read the latest NHS advice on the virus, here.
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