We are open and operating with some additional measures for your peace of mind

Are you open?

Following the announcement of a third lockdown, we remain open for routine sight tests and contact lens consultations. All previous suspensions on routine and NHS eye testing have been lifted. All visits to the practice must be pre-booked. 

Do I have to wear a face mask?

Yes. We require everyone entering the practice to wear a face mask or covering, including children over the age of 2.

Can I browse and try on spectacles?
 

Yes. We are open for browsing and purchasing new spectacles by appointment only. We are significantly limiting the number of appointments and people attending the practice and therefore you may be asked to wait outside. We ask that you attend alone, unless absolutely essential and agreed by us in advance. 

We ask that if you have had a high temperature, new cough or sudden loss or change of taste and smell in the last 7 days, or anyone in your household has experienced these symptoms in the last 14 days, you do not attend the practice.

Upon entry into the practice, you will be screened by our staff, have your temperature taken and will be asked to sanitise your hands.

We ask that any frames you try on are placed in the plastic bowls dotted around the practice so they can be taken away and disinfected before they are put back on display.

Can you repair or adjust my spectacles?

A doorstep drop-off repair service will be offered for all prescription spectacles purchased from Harpenden Eye Centre in order to limit the number of people attending the practice. We will meet you at the door, take your spectacles and a contact telephone number and we will advise you once they are ready for collection. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to repair sunglasses and spectacles purchased elsewhere at this time. Please contact us should you require a repair and are shielding or self-isolating. 

If you require an adjustment of your spectacles, we ask that you book an appointment and attend alone, unless absolutely essential and agreed by us in advance. We also ask that if you have had a high temperature, new cough or sudden loss or change of taste and smell in the last 7 days, or anyone in your household has experienced these symptoms in the last 14 days, you do not attend the practice.

Upon entry into the practice, you will be screened by our staff, have your temperature taken and will be asked to sanitise your hands. 

What procedures do you have in place if I attend for an eye examination?
 

At Harpenden Eye Centre we have always taken hygiene and patient safety in our practice very seriously. Rest assured, we have implemented further stringent measures and enhanced our patient safeguards for everyone’s protection. 

· We are significantly limiting the number of appointments and people attending the practice and therefore you may be asked to wait outside. We kindly ask that you do not arrive too early for your appointment, as we aim to send you straight through to the consulting room after you have been screened upon entry.

· We ask that if you have had a high temperature, new cough or sudden loss or change of taste and smell in the last 7 days, or anyone in your household has experienced these symptoms in the last 14 days, you do not attend the practice. 

· We ask that you attend your appointment alone, unless absolutely essential and agreed in advance with us.

· Upon entry, you will be screened by a member of staff, have your temperature taken and asked to sanitize your hands. 

· Patients must wear a face covering to their eye examination. Patients will also be given a pair of gloves to wear whilst in the consulting room. 

· We have inserted breaks between appointments to allow for the full deep clean of the consulting room and all the equipment inside.

· The optometrist will be dressed in personal protective equipment, including face masks, gloves and aprons.

· Our equipment has been updated to ensure your consultation is as contact-free as possible. You may notice our optometrists using new devices, as well as upgrades to our existing equipment, such as additional breath shields. These changes go over and above those recommended by our regulatory bodies.

What procedures do you have in place outside the consulting room? 

· A one-way system is in place throughout the practice and is clearly marked.

· We have removed some chairs and furniture to allow for social distancing.

· All leaflets and magazines have been removed.

· All door handles, surfaces, chairs, card payment machines and all other equipment is cleaned with anti-bacterial sprays and wipes before and after each use.

· All practice staff wash their hands frequently in accordance with NHS advice.

· All practice staff abide by social distancing guidelines and are working on a rota basis to keep personal contact to a minimum and therefore reduce any risk.

I am using my digital devices more as I am now having to work from home. How can I prevent eye strain and headaches?

Take frequent breaks from your digital devices and limit your screen time if you can. Turn on any automatic brightness settings (if your device has them) and adjust any artificial lighting in the room as necessary to create a ‘softer’ environment. Focus on blinking frequently whilst working to encourage the flow of tears and to prevent dry, tired eyes. 

Further to this, we are also stockists of the Tom Ford Blue Block range which are pre-fitted with non-prescription, ready-to-wear clear lenses with a Blue Block filter. These special lenses are intended to prevent and relieve eye strain caused by extended exposure to blue light from digital devices. You can find the range on our online store by clicking here:  https://harpendeneyecentre.co.uk/shop/ols/categories/tom-ford-blue-block-range 

How can I find out more information about Coronavirus?

For further information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus