Wearing a face mask can greatly reduce the spread of COVID-19. In our new video tutorial, USC Roski Eye Institute faculty member Dr. Annie Nguyen provides a step-by-step guide for how to wear a face mask. (Music by Kevin MacLeod)
Masks for Ophthalmology
The CDC recommends wearing face coverings when social distancing measures are difficult to be maintained. Our new handout is meant to answer your frequently asked questions about masks, when to use them, how to wear them, and provides resources for making a mask of your own.
Letter to Patients
Dear Patients,
During this challenging time, the USC Roski Eye Institute continues to provide the best-in-class care you expect from us. To ensure that we see you in the safest possible environment, we sanitize all surfaces, including the exam rooms, equipment and supplies. We have also instituted the following operational changes:
Scheduling Your Appointment
When you call us, we will space your appointment time to be mindful of social distancing and your personal comfort. We are extending our hours and days so that we can appropriately schedule appointments.
Depending on your specific medical need and the status of your overall health, we may offer you the option to use telemedicine for a “virtual” visit over the phone or video chat over a computer.
During Your Appointment
When you arrive for your visit, we ask that you wait outside or in your car, instead of in the waiting room. This is to protect you, the other patients and the office staff.
We ask that anyone who accompanies you to your visit wait outside or in the car. If you don’t need to have someone with you, please do not bring anyone to your appointment.
We will take your temperature before you check in.
In accordance with local and federal mandates, we ask that you wear a protective face covering or mask.
Your eye care provider will be wearing a mask and protective eyewear. They may also use a special plastic breath shield on the machine they use to look into your eyes.
Your eye care provider may also ask you to wait to speak until after they have finished conducting your eye exam. This will allow them to have a discussion with you while maintaining a safe distance.
If you need to cough or sneeze during your exam, move back from the microscope and any individuals in the room. Bury your face in the crook of your arm or cover your face with a tissue.
When you schedule your eye exam appointment, you can have the extra confidence that you will be safe and comfortable at the USC Roski Eye Institute. We look forward to servicing your eye care needs and appreciate your patience and cooperation.
Sincerely,
The USC Roski Eye Institute Clinical Faculty
Drs. Narsing Rao, Hossein Ameri, Jesse Berry, Jessica Chang, Gloria Chiu, Charles Flowers Jr., Kimberly Gokoffski, J. Martin Heur, Mark Humayun, Amir Kashani, Jonathan Kim, Linda Lam, Thomas Lee, Karen Morgan, Andrew Moshfeghi, Kent Nguyen, Annie Nguyen, Vivek Patel, Grace Richter, Brian Song, Lernik Torossian, Brian Toy, Brandon Wong, Benjamin Xu, Rachel Young, and Sandy Zhang-Nunes
New FAQ Page: How Does COVID-19 Affect the Eyes?
With healthcare information changing daily amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, little attention has been given to its effect on one of the most sensitive parts of our bodies: the eyes. To provide an update, Dr. Annie Nguyen, Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Assistant Director of the Cornea & Refractive Surgery Fellowship at the USC Roski Eye Institute, answers frequently asked questions about whether our eyes are vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.
New Telehealth FAQ Page
Pictured Left: Dr. Annie Nguyen consults with a patient via webcam. Pictured Right: A patient talks to Dr. Nguyen via webcam.
We are announcing a new Telehealth FAQ page. The USC Roski Eye Institute is committed to providing the most innovative care for our patients during the current COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. To that end, we are now implementing telehealth protocols to provide eye care remotely when deemed appropriate and necessary. Learn more.
A 60-Second COVID-19 Update from our Clinic
Dr. Annie Nguyen, Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, addresses how we have increased safety measures to ensure the health and well-being of our patients, faculty, and staff during healthcare screenings. Our Los Angeles, Arcadia, and Pasadena offices are still open for urgent appointments. Our physicians are available for appointments via telemedicine. Please reach out to us at 323-442-6335 with any questions.
Letter to Patients
Dear Patients,
Due to ongoing developments with COVID-19, we are only able to see patients with urgent eye problems at this time. If you have any concerns, please call us at 323-442-6335.
For our contact lens patients, we have doctors and staff available by phone. We are temporarily waiving all shipping fees and shipping contact lenses directly to our patient’s homes. Call us at 323-442-6335 with questions.
We want to assure you that we are working closely with local, state and federal public health agencies, as well as our own health care professionals, to ensure that Keck Medicine of USC is prepared for COVID-19 developments. As the situation around COVID-19 continues to evolve, top priority is the safety of our patients, communities and health care professionals.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that causes fever, coughing and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID- 19, please contact your primary care physician.
A few common measures the CDC advises for the general public include:
Washing your hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Do not share food, drink or utensils
Maintain social distancing (six feet of separation)
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
Thank you for choosing Keck Medicine of USC for your health care needs. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients and their families, as well as our staff and doctors.
This situation is dynamic and rapidly changing, and the health system will continue to provide updated guidance and recommendations, as conditions evolve.
Sincerely,
Narsing A. Rao, M.D.
Grace and Emery Beardsley
Professor in Ophthalmology
Professor and Chair
USC Department of Ophthalmology
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Co-Director, USC Roski Eye Institute
Due to ongoing developments with COVID-19, we are only able to see patients with urgent eye problems at this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 323-442-6335.
