Westlake Vision Center Optometry
Updated: April 1, 2020 1:30PM
Dear patients and friends,
For the protection of our patients and staff, our office will be closed starting April 4th until further notice.
If you have an eye emergency or problem that needs our immediate attention, please leave a text message with your name at (925) 216-5230. Dr. Yamada will get back to you shortly.
We hope that this crisis will end soon and you can contribute by sheltering in place when possible, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands frequently.
With warm regards,
Westlake Vision Center Optometry
Dear patients and friends,
For the protection of our patients and staff, our office will be closed starting April 4th until further notice.
If you have an eye emergency or problem that needs our immediate attention, please leave a text message with your name at (925) 216-5230. Dr. Yamada will get back to you shortly.
We hope that this crisis will end soon and you can contribute by sheltering in place when possible, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands frequently.
With warm regards,
Westlake Vision Center Optometry
Updated: April 1, 2020 11AM
As you have heard, disposable protective goggles and glasses (PPE) are in short supply around the country.
An alternative to consider is the Rec Specs PPE Collection.
The Rec Specs PPE Collection is:
* REUSABLE with washing
* Available for immediate shipment
* Meets CDC, NSIOH, and OSHA recommendations
OSHA specifically recommends that when required, googles or safety glasses are to be worn in addition to face masks and/or face shields
On March 23rd, the state of Illinois received 20,000 Rec Specs PPE to be distributed by the Director of Emergency Services to outfit their medical professionals in their local communities.
For more information or to inquire about ordering, feel free to call us during our limited office hours or e-mail us.
As you have heard, disposable protective goggles and glasses (PPE) are in short supply around the country.
An alternative to consider is the Rec Specs PPE Collection.
The Rec Specs PPE Collection is:
* REUSABLE with washing
* Available for immediate shipment
* Meets CDC, NSIOH, and OSHA recommendations
OSHA specifically recommends that when required, googles or safety glasses are to be worn in addition to face masks and/or face shields
On March 23rd, the state of Illinois received 20,000 Rec Specs PPE to be distributed by the Director of Emergency Services to outfit their medical professionals in their local communities.
For more information or to inquire about ordering, feel free to call us during our limited office hours or e-mail us.
Updated: March 27, 2020 12PM
Are “red eyes” a symptom of COVID-19?
According to recent news media, a registered nurse in Kirkland, Washington described her sickest COVID-19 patients as having red eyes. She described, “It's something that I witnessed in all of them (the patients). They have, like ... allergy eyes. The white part of the eye is not red. It's more like they have red eye shadow on the outside of their eyes."
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recently published a cautionary alert on their website that, “Several reports suggest the virus can cause a mild follicular conjunctivitis otherwise indistinguishable from other viral causes, and possibly be transmitted by aerosol contact with conjunctiva.”
Per the CDC, the reported symptoms to watch for are: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Emergency warning signs to get medical attention immediately include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face. The list is not all inclusive, so please consult your primary care physician for any symptoms that are severe or concerning.
“Red eyes” and other possible symptoms not listed by the CDC but described in the news media are anecdotal evidence at this time.
There are two small scientific studies published in Ophthalmology (journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology) and Journal of Medical Virology. The studies indicate that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be detected in the tears and conjunctival secretions, however transmission through tears is low. Both studies agree that larger studies are required.
So what should you do if you have red eyes without any other symptoms?
1. Call our office first. Do not show up at to any medical or eye care facilities without a prior phone call. A phone call will allow our office or any healthy facility to prepare for your visit and diagnose and treat you in a proper manner.
2. If indicated, we can do a telehealth video visit or a simple snapshot of your eyes sent to us to help with a diagnosis. Non-HIPAA compliant communications platforms are allowed during the emergency as long as they are not public facing and initiated by the patient.
If you have any other symptoms that may be related to COVID-19, please call your primary care physician for further guidelines. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek medical attention immediately.
References:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/health/coronavirus-nurses-inside-washington-care-home/index.html
https://www.aao.org/headline/alert-important-coronavirus-context
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/coronavirus-and-your-eyes/
https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(20)30311-0/pdf
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jmv.25725
Are “red eyes” a symptom of COVID-19?
According to recent news media, a registered nurse in Kirkland, Washington described her sickest COVID-19 patients as having red eyes. She described, “It's something that I witnessed in all of them (the patients). They have, like ... allergy eyes. The white part of the eye is not red. It's more like they have red eye shadow on the outside of their eyes."
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recently published a cautionary alert on their website that, “Several reports suggest the virus can cause a mild follicular conjunctivitis otherwise indistinguishable from other viral causes, and possibly be transmitted by aerosol contact with conjunctiva.”
Per the CDC, the reported symptoms to watch for are: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Emergency warning signs to get medical attention immediately include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face. The list is not all inclusive, so please consult your primary care physician for any symptoms that are severe or concerning.
“Red eyes” and other possible symptoms not listed by the CDC but described in the news media are anecdotal evidence at this time.
There are two small scientific studies published in Ophthalmology (journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology) and Journal of Medical Virology. The studies indicate that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be detected in the tears and conjunctival secretions, however transmission through tears is low. Both studies agree that larger studies are required.
So what should you do if you have red eyes without any other symptoms?
1. Call our office first. Do not show up at to any medical or eye care facilities without a prior phone call. A phone call will allow our office or any healthy facility to prepare for your visit and diagnose and treat you in a proper manner.
2. If indicated, we can do a telehealth video visit or a simple snapshot of your eyes sent to us to help with a diagnosis. Non-HIPAA compliant communications platforms are allowed during the emergency as long as they are not public facing and initiated by the patient.
If you have any other symptoms that may be related to COVID-19, please call your primary care physician for further guidelines. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek medical attention immediately.
References:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/health/coronavirus-nurses-inside-washington-care-home/index.html
https://www.aao.org/headline/alert-important-coronavirus-context
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/coronavirus-and-your-eyes/
https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(20)30311-0/pdf
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jmv.25725
Updated: March 24, 2020 10:15AM
** For our current contact lens wearers **
At this time, our doctors are offering all patients currently wearing 2-week or monthly disposable contact lenses from our office to be refitted into a daily disposable contact lens for no additional refitting charge.
With allergy season upon us, we know that people tend to touch or rub their eyes more which could put you at more risk of contracting COVID-19 or other pathogens. Daily disposable lenses are more hygienic because there is no day-to-day accumulation of lens deposits, and more convenient because no lens cleaning is required. Daily disposable lenses are the healthiest way to wear contact lenses because you only wear them for one day and then remove and throw away prior to sleeping.
We recommend considering ordering at least a 30-day supply of the daily disposable contact lenses. We are still offering free direct shipping on 2 or more boxes of contact lenses so you would not have to come into the office.
After we have a better understanding of COVID-19 and how it is transmitted, we can discuss with you if you would like to revert back to your original contact lenses if you desire.
Please call us at (650) 992-2020 Monday – Fridays 9AM – 1:00PM and ask if you would qualify to order daily disposable contact lenses during this time.
As always, proper hygiene when using any contact lenses will protect your eyes and vision health. Here is a good reminder from the American Optometrist Association on how to take care of your contact lenses:
** For our current contact lens wearers **
At this time, our doctors are offering all patients currently wearing 2-week or monthly disposable contact lenses from our office to be refitted into a daily disposable contact lens for no additional refitting charge.
With allergy season upon us, we know that people tend to touch or rub their eyes more which could put you at more risk of contracting COVID-19 or other pathogens. Daily disposable lenses are more hygienic because there is no day-to-day accumulation of lens deposits, and more convenient because no lens cleaning is required. Daily disposable lenses are the healthiest way to wear contact lenses because you only wear them for one day and then remove and throw away prior to sleeping.
We recommend considering ordering at least a 30-day supply of the daily disposable contact lenses. We are still offering free direct shipping on 2 or more boxes of contact lenses so you would not have to come into the office.
After we have a better understanding of COVID-19 and how it is transmitted, we can discuss with you if you would like to revert back to your original contact lenses if you desire.
Please call us at (650) 992-2020 Monday – Fridays 9AM – 1:00PM and ask if you would qualify to order daily disposable contact lenses during this time.
As always, proper hygiene when using any contact lenses will protect your eyes and vision health. Here is a good reminder from the American Optometrist Association on how to take care of your contact lenses:
Updated March 23, 2020 10:30AM
We understand the hesitation to schedule your eye exam or visit our office to pick up your contact lenses. We assure you that our practice considers the health and well-being of our patients and staff to be of paramount concern. Our office has the ability to ship your contact lens order directly to your home. As few as 2 boxes can qualify for free shipping right now! We are extending all contact lens prescription expirations by 6 months. Call us at (650) 992-2020 Mondays - Fridays 9:30AM-1PM for more information and to place your order today.
We understand the hesitation to schedule your eye exam or visit our office to pick up your contact lenses. We assure you that our practice considers the health and well-being of our patients and staff to be of paramount concern. Our office has the ability to ship your contact lens order directly to your home. As few as 2 boxes can qualify for free shipping right now! We are extending all contact lens prescription expirations by 6 months. Call us at (650) 992-2020 Mondays - Fridays 9:30AM-1PM for more information and to place your order today.
Updated Tuesday March 17, 2020 1:05PM:
Dear Patients,
Due to the recent six counties Shelter-In-Place, we have decided to shut down all non-essential services to help contain the spread of COVID-19. There is growing evidence that COVID-19 may be spread in the absence of symptoms.
To safeguard our patients and staff, we will be shutting down all non-essential services until April 7th.
Services that will be available day-by-day (Mondays-Fridays only) in limited hours:
1. Dispensing of current pending orders (9:30AM – 1PM with appointment only. No walk-ins)
2. Medical emergencies (9:30AM – 1:00PM with appointment only. No walk-ins)
3. Phone services for any questions you may have (9:30AM – 1:00PM)
4. Direct shipping of contact lenses (Call during our phone service hours to order). We will extend any prescriptions expired within 6 months.
5. Emergency phone consultation (Call 650-992-2020 during phone service hours. If after those hours, you can leave a message on 925-216-5230).
This is a constantly evolving situation that may require us to make changes if necessary.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during these unsettling times.
With warmest regards,
Your friends at Westlake Vision Center Optometry
We are excited to provide you professional Eye Care services in a comfortable and friendly environment.
Please call us to schedule your appointment today.
Dear Patients,
Due to the recent six counties Shelter-In-Place, we have decided to shut down all non-essential services to help contain the spread of COVID-19. There is growing evidence that COVID-19 may be spread in the absence of symptoms.
To safeguard our patients and staff, we will be shutting down all non-essential services until April 7th.
Services that will be available day-by-day (Mondays-Fridays only) in limited hours:
1. Dispensing of current pending orders (9:30AM – 1PM with appointment only. No walk-ins)
2. Medical emergencies (9:30AM – 1:00PM with appointment only. No walk-ins)
3. Phone services for any questions you may have (9:30AM – 1:00PM)
4. Direct shipping of contact lenses (Call during our phone service hours to order). We will extend any prescriptions expired within 6 months.
5. Emergency phone consultation (Call 650-992-2020 during phone service hours. If after those hours, you can leave a message on 925-216-5230).
This is a constantly evolving situation that may require us to make changes if necessary.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during these unsettling times.
With warmest regards,
Your friends at Westlake Vision Center Optometry
We are excited to provide you professional Eye Care services in a comfortable and friendly environment.
Please call us to schedule your appointment today.
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