Apr 27 Blog | News

Since mid March when the COVID-19/Coronavirus outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, the way we live our lives and take care of ourselves has changed dramatically.

We at Southern Eye Group are closely monitoring the situation and are taking a number of precautions to help slow the spread of the virus. We know that many people are feeling fear and anxiety about going out in public, but we are excited to announce that the government has deemed that the situation has improved enough to approve the full reopening of eye care facilities. Therefore, all of our practice locations will be fully open again for all procedures and services starting Monday, May 4th!

How We’re Handling COVID-19

The CDC has already released a number of guidelines for everyone to follow to slow the spread and flatten the curve of Coronavirus transmission. All our staff members are carefully following these recommendations. This is easy for us because as one of the top eye care facilities in Mobile, Foley, Fairhope, AL, Pensacola, FL, and Biloxi, MS, we already need to follow stringent guidelines for sanitation and cleanliness.

As a healthcare facility, we’re required to follow existing CDC guidelines and recommendations to maintain cleanliness and limit the risk of infectious disease transmission. This includes:

• • Regularly changing and cleaning all cloths and linens
  • Keeping non-critical (not used in patient care) surfaces visibly clean at all times

• Cleaning high-touch surfaces like doorknobs with both detergent and an EPA-registered disinfectant
• Regularly sterilizing any instruments used in patient care

In addition to these CDC regulations, we follow the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which requires us to handle all needles and biological waste according to strict guidelines and to use work safety equipment like gloves, masks, and gowns whenever there’s a possibility of contact with bodily fluids.

These practices are a part of our standard operating procedure and ensure that our Mobile, Foley, Fairhope, AL, Pensacola, FL, and Biloxi, MS facilities minimize the possibility of infectious disease transmission to the greatest extent possible.

Our Updated Practice Policies

Our practice IS OPEN to provide the highest quality eye care to our patients. Our practice is also adopting new measures to further ensure the safety of our patients, our staff, and their families. In accordance with CDC guidelines, we are:

• Limiting the number of patients in our offices at any one time through virtual waiting rooms
• Limiting 1 guest per patient
• Following strict hygiene protocols

We also ask that if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms that you call us at 251-990-3937 to reschedule your appointment:

• Cough
• Fever
• Chills
• Chills

Additionally, we are now offering telemedicine appointments for qualifying visit types. Please contact us to determine if this would apply to you. Telemedicine visits are currently covered by the following insurances:

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Blue Cross
• Blue Shield
• Aetna
• Cigna
• HealthSpring
• Tricare
• United Health Care

Contact Your Local Eye Care Facility

At Southern Eye Group, our number one priority has always been and will always be offering exceptional eye care to our patients in a safe and professional environment. If you have more questions about our practice’s operating procedure, our new policies, or want to schedule your next eye care appointment, we encourage you to contact us. If you are not experiencing any symptoms of illness, please feel confident visiting our practice for your regularly scheduled appointment!

#InThisTogether