Regina optometrist ready to reopen with precautions

Patients at OKO Eyecare in Regina can expect to see a lot more cleaning and masks and fewer people when the doors open again.

The optometry office has been closed for about five weeks, but will reopen this week for the first phase of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

“I would be lying if I didn’t say there was a little bit of concern, but at the same time, we’re pretty confident in terms of the changes we have made to ensure that everybody’s safety is our first priority,” explained Dr. Brendan Hebert.

He explained staff have increased cleaning protocols and tracking sheets for patients, and will be limiting the number of people who go in and out. They’ll also be wearing gloves and masks and will be asking patients to wear masks at all times in the office.

A few things are also changing in how the exams work, like the puff test.

“Because we don’t know if that generates an aerosol, we’re not using that machine anymore. And in terms of being in the slit lamps where you get your ocular health checked out — that big microscope that you have to put your head in — we’re going to ask patients not to speak during that time. And then we also have a shield in between us and the patient as well,” explained Hebert.

While doing the exams, Hebert can be pretty close to the patients’ face.

“Between the masks, eye protection for myself, and then the shield that we have set up and then also asking the patient not to speak, that should be able to cross all those things off the list,” he said.

Getting his hands on the personal protective equipment has been a bit difficult, but Hebert said he started ordering a few weeks ago. He said the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists has also been sourcing equipment for its members.

Hebert said he is a bit concerned about the virus, pointing out that he and others opening in the first phase will be guinea pigs of sorts, not just for Saskatchewan, but for Canada in a sense.

When asked his thoughts on the reopen plan Hebert said, based on what he has read, the only time we’re going to be really confident about things is when there’s a vaccine, but that could take until next year.

“The difference between opening now versus three weeks from now, I don’t think there is one. There’s always a risk of a second wave, there’s always a risk of infection, but that’s going to be the reality until 2021 or until there’s an effective treatment. So as long we’re taking the precautions when it comes to the PPE and all the procedural changes that we’re making, that’s kind of all we can do at this point,” said Hebert.

“Could you make the argument that things should stay closed until 2021? You could, but is that feasible for the city and small businesses? I’m not sure.”

The office doors will open this week but Hebert isn’t sure how many customers will walk through them.

“That’ll be the other interesting point with the whole reopen plan, whether or not things are open versus whether people are willing to come in and make appointments,” he said.