Last updated 16th May 2023
Further Easing of Restrictions
The Scottish Government has withdrawn COVID-19 specific face mask wearing guidance following the recognition that Scotland has ‘entered a calmer phase of the pandemic’. From Tuesday 16th May 2023, healthcare workers will not routinely need to use face masks/covers. The College of Optometrists Guidance for Professional Practice still recommends that practitioners should use a face covering when performing procedures in close proximity to patients and when there is a risk of respiratory infection. Patients may also be asked to wear a face covering if they present to their appointment with respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing. In these circumstances your cooperation would be gratefully appreciated, unless for any reason you are exempt.
Routine appointments can be arranged within the practice or by telephone during our normal hours of business, or booked online. We understand that life happens and plans can change, so we’ve designed a cancellation policy we believe is fair and compassionate. If, for any reason, your appointment is missed, changed, or cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, a charge will be applied. Please see our Missed Appointments and Cancellation Policy for full details.
Telephone Triage – we are operating a telephone triage service during our normal hours of business. Whilst this is primarily intended to provide patients with access to emergency appointments, we are also on the end of the telephone to give advice, information and take orders during our normal business hours.
Out of hours, please contact NHS 24 for advice.
Video Consultations – where it is felt to be appropriate to do so, we can offer online video consultations using NHS Near Me (Attend Anywhere). Video calling is as convenient as a phone call, with the added value of face-to-face communication. It can save you time and money and brings your care closer to home.
This is a private and secure video call service for patients with pre-arranged appointment times, where you will be invited to enter a ‘virtual waiting room‘. If you do not have an appointment scheduled, your call will not be answered.
Browser compatibility – to access the service you need to use either Google Chrome or Safari. You will be given the opportunity to test your connection speed.
Face-To-Face Appointments – Patients experiencing symptoms of a high temperature or fever, a new persistent cough or shortness of breath, or have developed a recent change/loss of taste or smell or any other symptoms suggestive of a respiratory virus or infection (including the flu) should cancel any scheduled appointment over the phone and re-book when they are fully recovered.
Hand sanitiser will be made available for you to use when you enter, and before you leave the practice. If possible, you should attend your appointment on your own and do not bring unnecessary belongings with you. Infection control measures are still in place and appointment times have been spaced out to allow the practice to be disinfected between patients.
If you need to choose new glasses, all of our frames are safe to handle and try on as they are sanitised routinely. If you need a repair or adjustment made to your own glasses you should be prepared for this service to take a little longer than usual – you may be asked to leave your glasses with us and return later to collect them depending on what needs done.
Contact Lens Wearers – Patients interested in trying contact lenses can book a contact lens trial appointment in practice or by telephone. If you currently get your contact lenses from us, we will be in touch when your contact lens specification is due to expire and your routine aftercare appointment is due. Contact lens patients with changes in vision or eye health concerns should get in touch, as an earlier appointment may be required.
If you usually visit the practice to purchase dry eye products (eye drops, eye ointments, lid wipes) or eye supplements, you can continue to do so as normal. We can also supply you with these by post, directly to your home, for a small additional fee. Please telephone us to place your order.
If you have questions, or require special assistance then please give us a call on 01683 221125.
You can read the latest NHS advice on the virus, here.
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