COVID-19 Update: A Letter to Patients & Friends

Dear Patients & Friends,

We are pleased to let you know that we are open and doing what we love, taking care of our community. In order to protect our patients and staff, we have made a few changes around the office. Though some of our procedures are new, you can count on the same friendly atmosphere you have always known at Heart of Texas Eye Institute.

Telemedicine

One exciting new change we have incorporated is telemedicine. Whenever appropriate, you can reach your doctor from the comfort of your own home by scheduling a telemedicine appointment. The telemedicine visit can happen on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You will need a strong internet connection to allow audio-visual conferencing. Appointments are made by calling the receptionist at (512) 213-2220.

Check-In

A few modifications have been made in the office. Everyone who enters the office will have their temperature checked with a non-contact thermometer at the front door. Patients are asked to come alone to their visit whenever possible. If a family member or friend must attend the exam, they are asked to remain with the patient and not in the waiting room.

Office Lobby

Chairs have been arranged in the waiting room to allow for social distancing. The beverage bar has been removed; however, bottled water is available at the reception desk upon request.

Masks

To slow the spread of the virus, all patients, team members, and guests are required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth.

Sanitation

Between each use, antimicrobial disinfectant is used to sanitize diagnostic equipment, chairs, and surfaces.

COVID-19 Testing

A screening COVID-19 antibody test will be performed in the office for any patient before undergoing surgery. The antibody test requires one drop of blood, which is drawn by a finger prick. The results are available after 10 minutes. (COVID-19 testing is also available to non-surgical patients upon request.)

We have been very fortunate that this virus has not hit our community hard. Nonetheless, several of our patients are in a high-risk category. For that reason, we will continue to take every precaution to protect our patients until such time that it is safe to relax these standards. We appreciate your participation in caring for one another.

Stay safe, stay healthy.

—Lisa McIntire, MD
—Lara Dudek, MD