Just like you, we are closely monitoring new developments regarding COVID-19. The health and safety of you, our staff and community are of the utmost importance. Although we have always maintained excellent sanitary practices, we are raising our standards in many ways.

What we are doing differently:

We have implemented several new policies and procedures which follow the recommendations of the CDC and the American College of Surgeons:

• We will be performing only surgeries that are more essential than elective, urgent, or qualify as emergencies. If you planned on surgery, we know this will be disappointing but also we trust that you understand the unusual circumstances we are all living under and appreciate us taking measures to protect you, your family, our staff and the community, doing our best to avoid overwhelming our healthcare system in the days and weeks to come.
• We are limiting the number of visitors that can arrive with a patient to one only.
• We are wiping down additional surfaces such as doorknobs and counter tops at check-in and check-out between each patient.
• Hand sanitizer is available at each workstation and available for patients at check out, check in and the exam rooms.
• We are urging you not to congregate with additional visitors in the waiting room but to wait in your car and provide us with a cell number at which we can reach you.
• Although we will offer you the same warm welcome and fond farewell we have in the past, please understand that we are not shaking hands, hugging or making a deliberate personal contact of any kind.
• We insist that no patient attendants or visitors are allowed into our clinic who are sick.
• We advise you to please not make personal contact with other patients or visitors in our waiting room.
• If you, the patient, are sick and have an appointment, please contact our office at 501-223-2244.
• Feel free to wear a mask. We will all understand.
• We are committed to providing care with deliberate thoughts and actions rather than fear to limit exposures. We appreciate your consideration and patience with our staff who is working diligently to see that you continue to receive world class care.

Outside of our office we encourage you and your family members to self-isolate and self-distant. Do not gather with large crowds, especially in limited spaces. Do your best to distance yourself at least 6 feet from others. Do not make direct contact with others. Clean any contaminated surfaces. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands for 20 seconds at a time. Notify your health care provider if you are sick. Take measures to decrease your stress: deep breath, exercise, eat healthy limiting alcohol consumption, limit the time you watch the new or stay on social media, and maintain relationships with family and friends.

Always feel free to contact our office if you have questions or need any clarifications. Our office number is 501-223-2244. Best wishes to you and your family as we all maneuver through these atypical circumstances.

Wade Brock, MD and Staff
Arkansas Oculoplastic Surgery, PLLC