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Update on RACI and the COVID-19 Vaccine (Click to open)

February 15, 2021
 
To our RACI Patients, 
 
We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health and want you to know that you are valued as a patient of Retina Associates of Cleveland!  We understand it has been a stressful number of months but want to reassure you that we have met to the best of our ability the challenge of making our RACI office environment as clean and safe as possible for our patients and staff.
 
We would strongly encourage you to keep any scheduled office appointments and not cancel or wait for your vaccine, to be certain your treatments are timely and effective.  Our Retina Associates physicians and team members have received the COVID-19 vaccine and a large number of our patients have been vaccinated as well.  We are confident this ensures the safest environment for all of our patients and staff. 
 
You may have noticed that our new appointment scheduling methods have increased efficiency and allowed us to move patients through our clinics faster, reduce overall wait times, and reduce the number of patients in our waiting rooms. We know your time is valuable!
 
We continue to implement strict cleaning protocols throughout the day, require screening for COVID-19 symptoms – both patients and RACI staff, follow social distancing guidelines, and require the wearing of masks.  While RACI is taking these precautions, we continue to need YOUR help to ensure the safest environment possible by asking you to follow these CDC guidelines:
  • Wear a face covering of some type – mask, bandana, scarf, or anything that covers your nose and mouth, to help protect our doctors, staff, and other patients.
  • Attend your appointment alone, unless medically necessary.  Have accompanying family members wait outside or in their vehicles – we’ll be happy to call them upon completion of your appointment.
Be encouraged - Spring is right around the corner!  We are ready to see you in our office and ensure your vision is the best it can be.  Thank you for the confidence you have placed in us.
 
Sincerely, 
 
Retina Associates of Cleveland, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions about RACI and COVID-19 Prevention (Click to open)

Are masks required in RACI offices?
  • All RACI team members are required to wear a mask.  Unless Patients have a medical reason to not wear one, they are required to wear a mask in our offices.  All patients are screened for COVID-19 symptoms before their appointment.
How often is exam room equipment cleaned?
  • Our staff members are wiping down commonly touched exam room surfaces in between each and every patient.  You may not see them wiping down, as this is done as soon as each patient leaves the room to allow drying time between patients.
What is RACI doing to protect patients from COVID-19?
  • Thorough screening of all patients who enter the clinic for COVID-19 symptoms or exposure to someone with COVID-19 symptoms or diagnosis.  Screening is also done prior to appointment day via reminder calls, texts, and emails.
  • Requiring masks for all RACI staff members and strongly encouraging all patients to wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth.  Masks are available at our reception desks for those who do not have one.
  • Limiting the number of visitors. Family members or drivers are not allowed to wait inside our office or accompany a patient to their exam unless the patient requires special assistance.  We are happy to call them when patients are finished with their exam.
  • Increasing the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces including door handles, chairs, etc.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 
  • COVID-19 symptoms include:
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest tightness
    • Sore throat
    • Stuffy nose or runny nose
    • Loss of taste or smell
    • New onset of diarrhea
    • Muscle aches and pains
What should RACI patients do if they have symptoms?
  • If you have an upcoming appointment scheduled and have one or more COVID-19 symptoms, please call our office before coming to your appointment.  We would be happy to reschedule your appointment for a later date when you are feeling well.
Does RACI offer telehealth appointments?
  • Our physician assistants are accepting telehealth appointments for established RACI patients.  If you have questions about the urgency of your next visit, or if you are experiencing changes to your vision and are unsure when to schedule your next appointment with your RACI retina specialist, a telehealth appointment can be scheduled by calling our Beachwood office at 216-831-5700.
What can I do to keep myself, my family and friends safe and healthy before my upcoming RACI appointment?
  • The most important steps to take:
    • Avoid going to gatherings with large numbers of people; heed social distancing guidelines.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • Wear a cloth face covering when you are out in public and cannot practice social distancing.
    • Wear a cloth face covering before you enter a healthcare setting, including RACI offices.
    • Practice good hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.


  • Our Physicians

    Our doctors are world-renowned experts in the medical and surgical treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Detachment, Flashes and Floaters, and other diseases of the macula, retina and vitreous.  They strive to improve the quality of life for every RACI patient by preserving their best vision possible.

    Meet Our Physicians
    •  

  • Our Locations

    As one of the largest retina practices in the U.S., we serve all of Northeast Ohio with 13 convenient neighborhood offices and 15 retinal specialists.

     Find an Office Near You

  • Our Services

    At Retina Associates of Cleveland, our philosophy for more than 45 years has been that the patient comes first, and every patient is treated like family.  We provide exceptional, patient-centered retinal care and go above and beyond to treat each patient with kindness and compassion.

    Our Services
 

RACI Announcement on COVID-19 X

Please listen to this message from our RACI physicians to update you on our new patient safety measures. Thank you for putting your trust in Retina Associates of Cleveland!

Retina Associates Office Locations

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