Covid and Eyecare in Ontario

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live for the foreseeable future. Not only has how you shop, how you work, and how you play changed, but the way you will be able to access healthcare has also changed. 

Certain health checks, if not most, require the patient and the medical professional to be in one another’s immediate vicinity. Social distancing is not generally possible, and as such, there have been changes to the way healthcare can be accessed. Many people are putting off routine health checks because of social distancing rules and not knowing whether their healthcare providers are COVID safe.

Medical professionals have had to adapt and include additional layers of patient and practitioner safety. With specific reference to Ontario, in 2020 optometrists noted that COVID-19 had affected over 2 million comprehensive eye exams. This backlog is likely to have a long-term effect on people’s overall eye health and the actual practices in the area as a whole.

Be proactive about your family’s eye health

Eye health must be a proactive process, as once the eyes deteriorate beyond a certain point, it is exceedingly difficult to improve vision without surgery.

As children spend more time on screens and mobile devices, it is ironically ever more important to have eyes screened and tested early and regularly, even while appointments are canceled, and practices close across the country. There are, however, some practices that are still providing services and doing so in a safe and COVID-compliant manner. Your safety is their first priority.

Book early

It is advised that you book as early as possible to secure an appointment in Ontario and even beyond. Your family eye care is one of the most important aspects of overall healthcare, and you should endeavor to have early eye tests for children to avoid further issues or the need for eyeglasses. It is an important process, so find a practice that is open, and look to those areas surrounding the big city. There are, for example, professional independent optometrists River Heights Eye Care close to Ontario who can offer professional eyecare and suggest early eye care exams for children. It may be a little out of the way, but this may be the way to go if you are serious about getting an appointment.

Support the profession!

It is a profession that we need and will continue to need going forward, as over 75% of blindness can be treated if caught early. The issue is not only an Ontario problem but has reached global proportions, with COVID affecting eyecare worldwide.

Many in the profession have instituted a COVID safety protocol, and the use of ‘sneeze screens’ and masks, and a deep cleaning process of all equipment, ensures that the practice is safe. When you make your appointment, be sure to ask about their COVID safety measures and follow these to the letter when you attend your appointment.

As optometrist practices close and the demand to see them increases, there will be a period of unavailability. If there are eye issues experienced by you or your family, your primary health care provider can be seen for advice. As our eyes experience digital fatigue because of increasing screen time, it is increasingly important to see a professional optometrist as soon as one becomes available. You may need to be creative and plan in advance to make this happen.