We had two appointments today for full eye exams, three new pairs of glasses and contacts, We have been regular patients for at least five years and are fully insured. Prior to our appointments we received two calls, as well as text messages reminding us of their Covid-19 policies and rules. We also called, heard the policy on a recording, as well as their appointments only policy. Their own recording states that because of Covid-19 they are only accepting patients by appointment.
Upon arrival at the office, we checked in and took our seat. While waiting we watched a man walk in without a mask, then put one on clearly excluding his nose. The man stated that he did not have an appointment and was there to adjust his glasses. Meanwhile another man enters the office with his mask hanging completely off. We moved away and asked the staff to do something about it. One of the girls behind the counter went and asked the man with his nose out to adjust his mask and he refused! We asked for a manager and after quite some time she appears. We asked her to enforce the policy by refusing service until he complied. The manager stated that "she didn't want any confrontation and we could wait outside if we wanted!"
The staff obviously had no care or regard for our, or anyone else's health and safety! With so many elderly people and those with health issues (like us), we were alarmed and appalled by the staffs lack of care and safety! We then retreated to the parking lot, where we called to speak to a manager. After a five-minute wait on hold, we called back and were told that if we didn't like their actions we could go elsewhere! I became more than upset and asked for Dr. Moore, I was told RUDELY that she was busy. Instead of deescalating the situation they continued to act as though we were the problem, which obviously just made us angry! All they had to do was take my number, or confirm it, and have the Doctor call me back! The rudeness continued until I became rude also!
I don't know what the staff's background is however, I am sure they are aware the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads mainly from person to person in respiratory droplets released when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes or talks. Also, commonly, airborne transmission can occur, this happens when very small virus particles linger in the air for minutes to hours, they can also linger on surfaces potentially infecting others who are in the same area or touching the same items -- even if the infected person is far away or has left the space. Furthermore, A healthy person can then unknowingly touch those surfaces and the next thing you know - the virus has gotten a free ride to wherever and whatever the person touches next and/or infecting that person! The Delta Variant has proven to be even more contagious!
The staffs lack of care and knowledge of infection control and safety protocol caused you to lose two longtime patients! More importantly they may cause any one of your patients, themselves or a family member to be infected, suffer and/or die from this Horrible Virus!
After losing our parents recently to this horrible disease along with many friends and coworkers, we have no tolerance for this dangerous behavior! I have a Nursing degree; my sister is an Emergency Room Physician and it was hard to believe that the staff did not practice infection control or universal precautions! When we were asked to wait outside, instead of the perpetrators who refused to follow the rules/guidelines! We were more than insulted! We are also alarmed that the staff would be this reckless when there were so many other elderly patients in the waiting room!
I will also share our horrible experience, which could have easily been avoided, on social media, any other avenues and to everyone I know! read more