Gone Orange

NZ is now at Orange Level of the new framework for Covid19 protection, aka traffic lights.  This brings different requirements for many businesses.   As optometrists we are a mix of both healthcare and retail, we have a range of clients, including vulnerable people, and staff to care for.
The guidelines we receive come from our Registration Board (Ministry of Health), NZ Association of Optometrists and the Government Covid-19 Protection Framework.

All of our team are fully vaccinated, and wear masks.  For healthcare we do not have a Vaccine Pass requirement for entry.  Prior to a consultation we will ask a few healthcare questions to ascertain Covid19 risks, to ensure the protection of both other clients and our staff.  It may be appropriate for a person to have an alternative tele-health consultation for urgent care or reschedule for a more appropriate time.

The questions we ask before a consultation are:
-  Are you currently experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms?
-  Are you awaiting a result from a Coivd-19 test?
-  Are you self isolating, or anyone you are in contact with isolating?
-  Are you vaccinated against Covid-19?

Mask wearing is mandated for our team, and thus if you have a mask exemption, please advise us when booking your appointment. 
Covid-19 is a respiratory disease, and as the Ministry of Health advises “wearing masks and face coverings is one way of keeping yourself safe and protecting others from COVID-19, especially when physical distancing is not possible”.
Without the mask protection additional precautions may be indicated for the safety of both our staff and other possibly vulnerable clients in-store.

We continue with previous measures such as QR code scanning for contact tracing, physical distancing, disinfecting and eyewear is sanitised after touching, so our staff provide assistance.

It has been a long year with lockdown and more uncertainty, so we appreciate the support from our clients who have often asked how we are – thank you for also caring.  We look forward to 2022 and while we may have to be in Red level to come, we hope also to look forward to Green!