CAO Recommendations

Information for Members on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Canadian Association of Optometrists is committed to supporting its members by providing reliable information to support practices in the wake of concerns related to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID19) across the country. Members are encouraged to monitor the situation in their own cities and towns, and keep apprised of reliable and evidence-based sources of information.

The Public Health Agency of Canada provides regular updates on:

• Current situation, including the numbers of confirmed cases in Canada;
• The risk to the Canadian population; and
• How Canada is monitoring the spread of the virus.

To prepare and protect: How to help your patients, your team and yourself

Front line tips

• Wash your hands often, before and after providing treatment. Encourage patients to wash their hands often while in the clinic.
• Place additional signage in and around the clinic to encourage regular handwashing.
• Maintain social distancing; one-meter distance between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face.
• Cough into your elbow.
• Ensure that alcohol-based hand sanitizers and/or a handwashing station is available.
• Ensure that staff wash down equipment frequently – e.g. following patient use.
• Contact patients in advance of their appointments reminding them not to come into the clinic if they are experiencing symptoms of infection. If they are, reschedule their appointment.
• Hold regular team meetings with staff to review this information and provide any updates.
• In instances where you have to be in close proximity to your patient, consider wearing protective gear like masks especially if a patient is exhibiting signs of respiratory infection or has a history of recent travel to a high risk region.

Ensure your team has the information it needs

• What Health Professionals Need to Know
• Symptoms of Coronavirus
• Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Technical Guidance
• Advice on the Use of Masks in the Community, During Home Care, and in Health Care Settings
• CAO’s Infection Control Guidelines