Dear Valued Patient:
At Boston Eye Surgery and Laser Center (Boston and West), we consider it a privilege to serve you. Trust is an essential component of the relationship we have with you and for that reason we would like to take the opportunity to review the critical steps we are taking during COVID-19 to ensure your safety as we welcome you back for your surgery. We recognize that some of the measures we are taking may pose an inconvenience to you or to your families and appreciate your cooperation and patience. Please understand that your safety remains our utmost priority as we strive to provide you with the outstanding eye surgery you need and deserve. Since the start of the outbreak of COVID in Massachusetts, our doctors and staff have continued to see urgent patients in our clinics and have implemented protocols to protect you as we return to our routine surgeries. As the numbers of COVID cases continue to decrease and we begin to welcome you back into our surgery centers, we promise to remain steadfast in our measures to protect you, your families, our staff and our communities.
We have put 10 critical steps in place to provide a safe environment for your surgery
- Prior to surgery, patients will be requested to self-quarantine for 7 days and will be screened for new symptoms 1-3 day(s) prior to their procedure.
- We remind everyone to follow the CDC guidelines and encourage patients to reschedule if they are having any symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose/nasal congestion, shortness of breath, muscle aches or inability to smell. Similarly, our staff are mandated to stay home if they have any of these symptoms.
- Upon arrival to the center, all patients and staff will be screened for symptoms and have temperature checks. Patients will have their oxygen level checked.
- We require all patients and staff to wear face masks at all times. New surgical masks will be provided to each patient and to staff each day.
- We have a new registration process to reduce wait time and direct contact.
- To ensure social distancing, we will limit surgical cases and forbid guests. Family members will be asked to wait in their cars or outside the center.
- The entire surgery center will undergo intensive top-to-bottom disinfection and cleaning protocol several times per day with common areas disinfected regularly throughout the day.
- Following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, we have developed an extensive cleaning protocol which includes thoroughly disinfecting all surfaces and instruments between each and every patient.
- To reduce your time in our surgery center we will provide some pre- and postoperative instructions via phone or virtual telehealth.
- Similar screening, social distancing/mask use and disinfection protocols will remain in place for all of your pre and postoperative visits at all of our OCB offices.
Below are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions:
How is care provided to COVID positive patients at BESLC?
For patients who have symptoms of COVID infection (new fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose/nasal congestion, shortness of breath, muscle aches or inability to smell), or who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 30 days, we will direct you to please contact your Primary Care Provider to discuss COVID testing and care. We ask that you delay your visit to our Surgery Center and Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston until you are symptom free and have either 2 negative tests or 30 days have passed since your symptoms began. If you feel you have a true eye emergency please contact your ophthalmologist to review your symptoms and discuss a plan. Please do not come directly to the office or surgery center as we would not be able to see you at this time.
Am I putting my own safety at risk by coming in for surgery?
Our promise to you during this COVID-19 crisis and beyond is to make your safety a top priority. To do this we have taken many safety measures. Please refer to the 10 critical steps we are taking to protect you, above.
Should I delay my surgery?
Please know you do not need to delay your surgery. Under some circumstances, for patients with uncontrolled glaucoma or certain retinal problems, delay in treatment could lead to permanent vision loss. Cataract surgery may in general be safely delayed, provided you can live with your current level of vision and understand that vision may continue to slowly worsen until you have surgery. If you have any particular questions or concerns, please reach out to your surgeon by phone or Patient Gateway.
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Concluding Remarks
Our Surgery Centers provide a full range of state-of-the-art services for Cataract, Cornea, Glaucoma, Oculoplastics and Retina. Your safety is our number one priority and we are therefore taking all possible measures to protect you, our staff and our communities.
During the pandemic, we encourage you to stay in close communication with your surgeon, particularly if you have a serious eye disease that requires ongoing care. You are welcome to contact us via Patient Gateway or call our office.
Thank you for your patience, support and understanding during this time. We are honored to serve you and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Best Regards,
The Doctors, Nurses and Staff of BESLC, BESLCW, CCESLC, and PSLC