Covid Safe Guidelines

Due to the latest locally acquired cases of COVID-19 reported in Victoria, we are urging all patients and visitors to check the updated public exposure sites as listed by DHHS: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations-and-outbreaks-covid-19.

As instructed by the DHHS, if you have visited any of the listed Tier 1 exposure sites during the times listed, you must immediately isolate, get a COVID-19 test, and remain isolated for 14 days. You must not enter the clinic.

We are monitoring the current COVID-19 situation in Victoria very closely and would like to assure our patients and referring optometrists and GPs that we are OPEN and continuing to provide essential eye health services, as advised by health authorities and RANZCO.

During this time, it is important for all patients with existing eye conditions and/or new symptoms to seek attention from an eye care specialist. In particular, patients with chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes are urged to prioritise their eye care appointments, as missed or delayed treatments can lead to irreversible vision loss.

Under the current restrictions in Victoria, you are permitted to attend your scheduled eye health appointment at Northeast Eye Surgeons.

We have implemented a comprehensive COVID Safe Plan and, as always, your safety is our top priority.

The standard precautions prevail, and if you are unwell with any symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and get tested. Maintain good hygiene – wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Keep your distance – remain at least 1.5 metres away from others.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have in place a COVID Safe Plan and the following protocols and measures:

Increased Infection Control Procedures

In addition to our regular high standard of infection control and sterilisation, we are taking the following precautions:

  • All patients, visitors and team members are required to wear a mask while at the clinic. A mask can be supplied if needed

  • Increased sanitation of hard surfaces in highly trafficked areas such as reception, waiting areas, clinical and consulting rooms

  • All clinical and consulting rooms are sanitised after every patient

  • Patient seating in the waiting areas has been spread out

  • Protective screens installed at reception

  • Additional hand sanitisers are available to be used in waiting area, reception, clinical and consulting rooms

  • Removal of magazines & books

Limiting Traffic Inside the Clinic

In addition to our regular high standard of infection control and sterilisation, we are taking the following precautions:

  • We advise that only scheduled patients will be allowed into the consulting rooms and clinical areas and ask that family members and support people (unless required for interpretation or mobility assistance) don’t enter the clinic unnecessarily. We are happy to phone a support person to return to collect the patient, if needed, at the conclusion of the appointment.

Screening Patients

Please call us to reschedule your appointment, and do not enter to the clinic if you:

  • have recently had a COVID-19 test and are waiting for your result;

  • have tested positive to COVID-19;

  • have travelled internationally in the past 14 days;

  • are unwell with a fever, shortness of breath, cough or sore throat;

  • have been in contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19

  • Please check the latest public exposure sites, as listed DHHS, here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations-and-outbreaks-covid-19. If you have visited any of the listed Tier 1 exposure sites during the times listed, you must immediately isolate, get a COVID-19 test, and remain isolated for 14 days. In addition:

  • We are calling patients one day prior to their appointment and asking the above questions.

  • All patients are required to have their temperature measured at the forehead by staff as a condition of their appointment.

More Information

For information on the current restrictions in Victoria, please see link: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398, open 24 hours, 7 days.