How Do Stay-at-Home Orders Affect Your Practice? Steps for Reassuring Your Patients

You may be seeing higher than usual cancelations or patients calling to ensure you are open and that safety protocols are in place so they can feel confident visiting your practice.

Based on tips and recommendations from doctors across the network, here are a few steps you can take to make patients feel comfortable getting eye care at your practice.

• Reassure patients: Reassure patients that eye care is an essential service, and that you are here to support them in getting their vision needs met at this time.
• Share the precautions: Share the specific procedures your practice is implementing, for example: cleaning all surfaces and the frequency of your cleaning protocols; face masks required for all throughout the practice; and ensuring the dispensary is safe through frame cleaning tools such as UV disinfection.
• Inform about guidelines: Let your patients know you are abiding by all national and local guidelines such as those set by the CDC to ensure their safety.
• Offer remote care: Promote your telemedicine offerings for those in high-risk categories or for those who may prefer remote care.
• Build loyalty: Build patient loyalty through highlighting your commitment to the patient experience by marketing across your social media channels, website, and via text.

Continue to work with your patients to help them understand that they can get their eye care needs met at this time. Things may look a little different, but you are putting their needs and safety first, and this means they can continue to get the care they need from your practice.