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Coronavirus

Coronavirus – again!

We would like to reiterate some rules or requests, especially with the apparent increase in transmissibility of the new Omicron strain.

“Oh I forgot my mask, do I need it?” – Yes, yes you do! Unless you are medically exempt.

We would request that unless you need a carer that you come alone for your appointment – obvioulsy children need to be accompanied, but does the rest of the family need come as well? Of course you are only one household, but we are being exposed to multiple people who do not necessarily need to be here…

Husbands and Wives often like to attend for appointments one after the other, likely so she can supervise his purchases – understandable, but we can only test one of you at a time, so it would likely be safer for the other to wait in the car until it is their turn.

We have been operating on an appointment only basis – we were advised to do this, but we still have multiple people calling to the door for a browse or to make an appointment – if at all possible, could you ring us instead?

These requests are to try to minimise our exposure to clients and their exposure to us.

We appreciate your continued support and we do not want to appear obstructive in any way, but lately people have been letting their guard slip a bit?

Oh, one more request – we have been extremely busy of late – a good complaint, but we have had 3 no shows today already. We have a list of people wanting on a cancellation, but folks don’t cancel usually, they just don’t turn up, and then rebook when it suits them. Sometimes they apologise.

If you can’t make your appointment, please call us to let us know!

Blepha Eyebag Angled Left

MGD Rx Eyebags – now Blepha Eyebags

 

We have recommended MGD Rx Eyebags as a treatment for dry eyes for many years – most people who suffer dry eye symptoms would likely  benefit by using one, or a similar product. – the exception being those who have an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and have been diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome.

We used to stock these items, mainly to help our less internet able clients – we made little to no profit on their sale, but I had one man who was very rude when I recommended one to him. I had already told him his glasses were fine and they would do him another couple of years, so I guess he thought I was trying to sell him something for the sake of it?

Since then we have given out little leaflets about them with the web address of where they could be purchased directly from the manufacturer. However, the distributor/ owner of the Eyebags has changed – something we were not aware of until yesterday! We were not told about this change.

I would still recommend them and there are published studies in the British Journal of Ophthalmology showing their effectiveness.

They can now be purchased from Thea Pharmaceuticals and the name has changed from the very catchy MGD Rx Eyebag to the Blepha Eyebag, but the product is the same.

These used to cost £20, with apparently free delivery to virtually anywhere in Europe, but they are now retailing at £19.99 with free UK delivery. If we can find a better deal to Ireland, we will let you know.

Actually I found a link to them with free delivery to Ireland on Amazon.co.uk. I note on that page there is a sponsored link to a retinol eye wrinkle product. Just to mention that Retinol has been implicated in premanent damage to the meibomian glands, the ones you are trying to unclog with the Eyebag, so perhaps stay away from the cream/serum?

 

 

 

 

A change of plan – reopening Tuesday!

The Government, or the Department of the Taoiseach, have changed the advice on their level 5 living with Covid plan – Optometrists are now classified as essential workers. The department of Health is therefore changing its guidelines, meaning we are allowed to re-open.

Many opticians were remaining open anyway, on the basis that they supplied medical devices, which spectacles and contact lenses are- there is an exemption on that, but it was also stated later in the advice that Optician and Optometrists should only see people on an emergency basis. Those who planned to remain open may not have been breaking the law, but were perhaps not adhering to the spirit of the plan?

The Association of Optometrists has now received confirmation from the Department of the Taoiseach of these changes.

Because we are closed on the Saturday before a Bank Holiday Monday anyway, and this is now Thursday and the staff are thus far unaware of this development- we will reopen on Tuesday 27th. None of the staff here were pleased to be closed for 6 weeks, but I see that one of them already started their home remodeling plan last night – I’m sure a back to work on Tuesday will be a bit of a shock!

Apologies for the confusion on this one – we were only following the advice of our professional body.

Level 5 living with Covid – closure!

As per the government’s new countrywide Covid policy on Level 5, we are being forced to close for the next six weeks, at least.

Optometrists may remain open “insofar as they see people on an emergency basis only”. What constitutes an emergency is not defined at this point, it is unlikely to be clarified in the near future either.

So we will be closing on Wednesday evening for the 6 weeks. There is no point in us sitting here just in case an emergency calls.

We have tried to contact everyone to advise them of this development – but there are a couple of folks we are unable to contact, despite repeated attempts. Apologies if you are one of those people – we did try!

In an emergency, Please call Ian on this mobile number – apologies it is a UK number. Coverage in my home area is poor so please leave a message and I will call back as soon as I can. Ian’s mobile number is +44 797 8378930.

We will endeavour to get spectacles on order manufactured and delivered as soon as possible.

Ian

A Bank Holiday weekend (and good weather!!)

As usual, because it is a bank holiday weekend we will not be opening the Saturday – May 30th.

We need time to recover from our busy 2 weeks – this working thing  is tiring compared to being locked down!

Hope you all have a great weekend, and enjoy the weather.

Back open 11am on Tuesday.

Ian

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