In the wake of COVID-19, several practices have stepped up their cleaning protocols for protection from the virus. As efficiency is at a premium in optometric practices, two of OM’s columnists share how their practices have managed to stay on schedule, despite the need for extra disinfection.

“As far as equipment, cleaning and everything like that, nothing has changed because we were already doing what we should have been doing, in terms of wiping down equipment, chairs and surfaces,” Kristin S. O’Brien, O.D., OM’s “New O.D.” columnist, says. “But to go a step above and beyond, we have added a UVA air purification system, which takes care of everything from smells and viruses, to mold and bacteria.”

She adds that the system has helped with peace of mind, as staff knows that if a masked patient asymptomatic for COVID-19 presents for an appointment, that air isn’t being recirculated.

Whitney Hauser, O.D., F.A.A.O., OM’s “Dry Eye” columnist, says her practice has designated one point person to clean the patient touchpoints and uses a specific route, so as not to interrupt patient and doctor flow. She adds she is investigating a device that has nano-sized silicon dioxide that forms a covalent bond with a surface and the nano-crystals shear pathogens that come in contact with it. OM