Optometric Association requests postponement of all non-emergency procedures

Illinois optometrists should postpone all non-emergency eye appointments and procedures due to the new coronavirus pandemic, according to guidance from the Illinois Optometric Association.

Leigh Ann Vanausdoll, the association’s executive director, said the recommendations are based on those passed down by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Public Health, and she urged members to follow them.

“We’re very much emphasizing that they should follow those guidelines,” she said.

Vanausdoll said optometrists should be available to patients that need urgent or essential care to prevent any unnecessary hospitalizations at a time when hospitals are expected to be overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients.

The Illinois State Dental Society has issued similar guidance to its members.

Health News Illinois is removing the password on all stories related to the coronavirus. For the latest developments follow us on Twitter at @healthnewsil or check out our website. For complete healthcare coverage, sign up for a free trial to our daily email newsletter.