Virtual Eye Care with Telehealth Technology

Mar 24, 2020

In response to COVID-19, Stanton Optical and My Eyelab are now only offering telehealth eye exams. In partnership with the Physicians Eyecare Group, select locations across the nation will offer patients the opportunity to receive eye care through telemedicine. All retail stores that do not offer telehealth services will be closed temporarily.

Due to the Coronavirus, extra safety measures will be taken at each store. These include:

• A pre-screening questionnaire and temperature check before patients are let in for an exam.
• Enforcement of strict capacity rules to keep employees and patients within safe social distancing proximity (or a maximum of 10 people).
• Additional cleaning and sanitizing precautions.
• After the pre-testing (which includes digital photos of the front of the eye, retinal images, a screening for glaucoma as well as additional testing), a Technician will escort the patient to a private examination room for an Acuities and Refraction Exam to test for the glasses or contact lens prescription. The test is performed virtually via video-screen.
• The local Ophthalmologist (MD) or Optometrist then creates the patient’s customized eye care treatment plan and prescription.
• Alternative forms of dispensing will be implemented, including curbside order pick-up and order delivery options where permitted.

“This is a unique opportunity to provide a service to people who need it when others can’t during such a crisis,” said Daniel Stanton, CEO of My Eyelab and Stanton Optical. “This solution allows customers to receive eye care in a safe, no-contact way, and allows us to keep jobs in our stores. Our updated policies and procedures will allow customers who have eye care emergencies to access these services in the safest way possible.”

Telehealth co-creator and 20-year veteran optometrist Dr. Brad Brocwell, Vice President of Clinical Operations for Now Optics, designed a customized approach utilizing Now Optics Health Services’ proven telehealth solutions. Over the past 3+ years, more than 700,000 telehealth eye exams have been conducted through the company’s proprietary technology and network of doctors.

“Now more than ever customers are looking for the safest way to receive services, and we are at the forefront of telemedicine as it pertains to eye health,” said Brocwell. “If someone’s prescription expires during this crisis or has a need for prescription eyewear, we are the only provider of telehealth eye care services nationwide. We are stepping up to deliver a safe and reliable experience.”