OE Patients

Tag: COVID19

  • Spring Clean, Refresh & Organize

    Spring Clean, Refresh & Organize

    Sprouting greenery, blooming buds and warming temperatures deliver a clear and hope filled message of growth and renewal. Bring that freshness from outdoors inside with a good spring cleanup and get a needed boost to mental health and overall well-being at the end of a long winter. 

    Don’t let the task overwhelm you. Prioritize the areas needing most attention, then break those down into projects that will take 1-hour or less. In the kitchen, clean up and organize a single drawer or cabinet at a time. In the closet, weed out the old unused items, then put the keepers in good order. Whatever your approach, the result is uplifting. 

    A seasonal refresh holds rewards even greater for people with vision loss. Choose a few ways you can quickly improve your environment at home and think of it as a gift you give yourself. Clean always feels good and getting organized makes it possible to reach for something and find it in its designated place, which is a habit you’ll be delighted to repeat, over and over again, it never gets old.

    Image of hands in rubber gloves washing dishes.
    Image of hands in rubber gloves washing dishes.

    Here are some ideas to get you started:

    • Get rid of clutter. Will you ever read that stack of magazines? Do you really need a CD collection? If in doubt, throw it out!
    • Clean your refrigerator thoroughly, and throw out old or expired items. Organize the shelves so the items used regularly are prioritized.
    Image of cooking tools and utensils neatly organized in a kitchen drawer.
    Image of cooking tools and utensils neatly
    organized in a kitchen drawer.
    • Organize your kitchen for daily use, one section at a time. Make sure utensil drawers are neatly arranged, and that your favorite dishes and glassware are easy to access. Clean all surfaces and wash all items with hot soapy water so they feel fresh and new.
    • Having your windows and carpets cleaned is a great way to refresh.
    • Now is the time to get your bathroom organized anew. Get rid of all the items you don’t use and give the things you’re always searching for their own special spot.
    Image of leafy houseplant in a white ceramic pot.
    Image of leafy houseplant in a white ceramic pot.
    • Treat yourself to a new indoor foliage or a flowering houseplant. Refreshing the greenery cleanses the air and lifts your spirit.
    • Clean a closet or two. Get rid of clothes you don’t wear, you can donate to charity or consign them for resale.
    • Reorganize your closet for the new season. Put away winter gear neatly, for easy access when needed.
    • Get your home office cleaned up and organized as well, it’s guaranteed to improved productivity.
    • Go paperless, all bills and financial statements are available online.
    • Don’t forget to do a much-needed cleaning to purge old mail, outdated files and apps from your computer and mobile devices.

    For more on this topic, see Related Posts at the bottom of page. 

    This post was first published Mar 27, 2020 and most recently updated Apr 18, 2023.

  • Ophthalmology in a Time of Corona – Update

    Ophthalmology in a Time of Corona – Update

    Pandemic Patient Policies

    As ophthalmologists move from the urgent care-only phase, to scheduling routine eye exams again, it is important to know how patient safety is being protected. By now, all practices should be posting updated pandemic policies prominently on the homepage of their website, and including the update in the recorded messaging for patients contacting the office by phone. Being aware of the changes you will encounter during your next office visit will elevate your comfort and trust in the process.

     

    Questions that need answers…

    • Can a telemedicine consultation be substituted for your in-person office visit.
    • How is staff being screened for COVID?
    • How is social distance being respected in waiting areas?
    • How is close contact being minimized in exam rooms between patients, doctors, technicians?
    • What is hand washing, sanitizing procedure?
    • What is frequency of sanitizing equipment and surfaces?
    • Are doctors and technicians wearing masks and using breath shields?

     

    Patients should know they need to…

    • Cancel appointment if exposed to or symptomatic of COVID.
    • Be screened for COVID symptoms immediately before appointment.
    • Attend appointment alone, or get authorization for accompanying guest.
    • Wear a mask.
    • Wait to speak until exam is over and doctor or technician can move to a safe distance.

     

    Send us your questions on this topic to [email protected]. We’ll be discussing it again in an upcoming OE Patients Podcast.

    Image shows doctor consulting with patient on screen during video medical visit.
    Image shows doctor consulting with patient on screen during video medical visit.

    Urgent Care During Isolation

    Social distancing measures are having a positive impact in slowing the spread of the coronavirus. They are also forcing change in the provision of healthcare. Ophthalmology, in particular, is conducted at close proximity, and it’s important to understand how that is being addressed. It is very likely that routine eye exams, check-ups and non-urgent procedures will be postponed for a few months. Communicate with your physician or contact  the office to clarify their specific and updated policies.   

    We consulted with our colleague, Yale L. Fisher, MD, retina specialist and founder of Ophthalmic Edge, to provide an overview of changes to patient care initiated by the COVID-19 crisis. To help you navigate the new normal, here are answers to frequently asked questions.  

     

    What is considered essential, urgent or emergent care?

    Essential care is required, by the physician, to maintain or improve an ocular problem that is known.  The physician should be contacted to determine if the treatment must be given on a specific regiment during this period.

    Urgent and emergent care is marked by symptoms causing a sudden deterioration such as eye pain, a change in vision or visual field, double vision, blurred vision or swelling.  Contact a doctor immediately for advice, or go to nearest eye hospital or medical center providing emergency services.  

     

    How does a patient decide when it’s appropriate to visit an ophthalmologist during social distancing restrictions? 

    There are many reasons requiring ongoing treatment or determinations of disease progression. A phone call and discussion with the physician is the best way to assess that need.

     

    How have ophthalmic office procedures changed?

    Most physicians have already altered their routine procedures to include COVID-19 guidelines, incorporating social distancing as well as masks, hand washing and rapid visits. 

     

    In what cases can video visits or telemedicine be substituted?

    Video or telemedicine is useful especially for external eye examination. Questions and answers are definitely enhanced by video and audio communication. Some tests cannot be performed without imaging, especially for retinal or internal ocular problems.  In some cases a local wide field photo and other tests can be performed and sent for evaluation by your physician.

     

    How are patients, staff and doctors protected from spreading Coronavirus? 

    The same techniques as performed in medical facilities including social distance, masks worn by all, hand washing, sanitizing of surfaces, instruments and equipment.

    Prioritizing your health means staying safe and strong during the COVID pandemic. It also means dealing appropriately with healthcare matters that should not be put off.  As always, communication with your provider is is key.

    This article was originally published April 17, 2020 and updated on June 5, 2020.

  • The New, New Normal

    The New, New Normal

    Until recently the concept of social distancing, or self isolating, was generally discouraged, especially for people with vision loss. Now it’s a necessity for our ongoing health and well-being. Just a few weeks ago, seeing someone veer off course, to avoid getting too close, or refusing to ride an elevator with you, would have felt very strange. Now we are raising a hand to show appreciation for the consideration of the expanded need for personal space. The wave has supplanted the smile, which is no longer detectable under our masks. And with nose and mouth coverings mandated, many more people are finding their ability to recognize faces is temporarily impaired. 

    Image of sign for 6 foot social distance.
    Image of sign for 6 foot social distance.

    So if you’re feeling out of sorts, at this point that would be normal, under the circumstances. While sheltering in place to protect your health, don’t forget about your well-being. You may be having trouble thinking clearly or finding motivation, and that’s okay, your brain is trying to recalibrate. Help the process by being kind to yourself, and to others. This applies whether you are on your own, taking care of family, or being cared for. It would be nice if we could return to the way we were before the pandemic, but that seems unrealistic for anytime soon. We are instead heading toward a new state of “normal.”

    Living with vision loss may add an extra degree of difficulty to the process, but we have already developed and exercised many of the skills that will help carry us through this period of change.  The capacity to recover is rooted in our willingness to adapt, adjust, and accept that life is going to be different. It’s like anything you practice, the more you do the better you get. We also know to stay present – dwelling in the past or on the future, is never constructive. When things are looking dark, we can refocus to a brighter outlook by finding gratitude. 

    Here’s more content on OE to help the adjusting process:

    Improve Your Perspective

    Learning at Any Age with Vision Loss

    The Art of Adjusting

  • 8 Things To Do While Distancing

    8 Things To Do While Distancing

    The COVID-19 crisis has taken great liberties with life as we know it. Those of us living with vision loss are all too familiar with the prevailing desire to get back to some semblance of normal. That feeling is now shared by everyone. Social distancing for the time being is a good thing, but it is definitely not an easy task. Our best advice is to take it one day at a time. Do something constructive each day to use the time-out productively.

    1. Listen to a Podcast.

    Invest some time in catching up with a favorite podcast, or binge-listening to a new find. If you haven’t yet taken to podcasts, the time is now. Search for your favorite publications, personalities or topics on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or simply Google a key word + podcast to find some that will be of interest.

    Here are the links to a few of our favorite podcasts for people living with vision loss:

    OE Patients Podcast

    Eyes On Success Podcast

    Hadley Presents Podcast

     

    Image of Alexa app screen showing list of featured and new books.
    Image of Alexa app screen showing list of featured and new books.

    2. Read an Audiobook.

    Getting totally absorbed in a great book that takes you to another time and place is the best way to take a break from reality.  Choose an epic story that will command your attention for a while like Anna Karenina, East Of Eden or Lord Of The Rings.  You can also browse Audible’s Best Sellers.

    Get Back the Joy of Reading with NLS

    Alexa, Read My Book

    3. Place a Call.

    Video calls, like FaceTime, are a natural solution for socializing while social distancing. The pandemic has given new life to the voice-only call, which has been going out of fashion for years. It makes complete sense to use FaceTime because, in many ways, it’s as close as we can connect for the time being. Seeing the face or hearing the voice of a loved one or an old friend lends a degree of comfort to an otherwise insecure atmosphere.  So go ahead, pick up the phone and call someone you care about – chances are you’ll find them at home.

    4. Get Your Accessibility Settings In Order.

    Take this time to review and update text settings, screen magnification and brightness and color contrast. And don’t hesitate to call on live expert help! Use these if you run into trouble:

    Accessibility Support Phone Lines You Should Know   

    5. Give Speech a Chance.

    When reading with a visual impairment becomes arduous, it’s time to give your phone or tablet permission to speak. The move from seeing to hearing written words may take some getting used to, so approach it as if you are learning to read anew.

    The Freedom of Speech

    Let Voice Over Do the Reading

    Image of man talking into smartphone on speaker.
    Image of man talking into smartphone on speaker.

    6. Put Your Voice Assistant to Work.

    There are thousands of ways your voice assistant can make things easier. For instance, ask Google to play a podcast, ask Alexa to read your book, or ask Siri to FaceTime a friend.  Take a moment to try out more ways these virtual assistants can help make your life easier:

    Here’s What Siri, Google & Alexa Can Do

    Podcast: Siri, Google & Alexa

    7. Update Your Privacy Settings.

    There is no better time than now to update your privacy settings and stop giving your technology providers open access to your personal info.

    Follow these steps to Protect Your Privacy Online.

    8. Clean & Organize.

    Cleaning up and organizing is a very cathartic process. Getting rid of clutter feels like a load is lifted off you and actually helps clear your head.

    Here’s a guide to help you Get Clean & Organized.