Many of our patients are concerned about the coronavirus. Obviously for the moment the number of confirmed cases in the UK is relatively low. We all hope that it will stay that way, but realistically it is likely to get worse before it gets better.

So what do we recommend to our patients?

Firstly, please follow the government’s advice.

If you have EITHER a new, continuous cough OR a high temperature then you should self-isolate.  There is no need to call 111 unless you need medical help.

The government advice can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

For those not at immediate risk the best thing you can do is WASH YOUR HANDS!! Simple and effective.

What about my appointment/surgery?

For the moment the risk is low. The London Clinic Eye Centre is a self-contained specialist ophthalmic centre with no other specialists consulting in the building (e.g. GPs or respiratory specialists). All staff and consultants work solely in ophthalmology. Patient turnover is relatively low and we have 10 waiting areas spread over 6 floors.

Everyone arriving in the building is being asked to wash their hands, and in addition there are hand sanitisers on the walls throughout the building.  We are wiping down all equipment (medical and administrative, e.g. credit card machines) between patients with disinfectant wipes.  The examining equipment is being fitted with clear guards for your protection.

Surgery, by definition, takes place within a highly regulated and sterile environment. Both Moorfields and The London Clinic have issued strict protocols around this virus, with similar actions to those detailed above. We are also planning to hold video and telephone consultations for those patients who are self-isolating (or if/when high risk groups are advised not to attend in person) – please call us if you’d like to find out more.

We hope that you find this information helpful in your decision-making and we will update this blog as needed. As ever, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.