Dear Wichita Vision Institute Patients,
We want to reach out to you and let you all know how our office is responding to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Our office is currently remaining open to see patients that require in-person visits and time-sensitive care. However, we are rescheduling some patients that are considered at higher risk for the COVID-19 virus. While we understand your frustrations with possibly getting rescheduled, please know that the health and safety of our patients and staff is our highest concern during this difficult time.
PROTECTING OUR PATIENTS
We are currently utilizing the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) to help us navigate through this unprecedented outbreak. Beginning immediately, we have begun screening all patients with a series of questions prior to their appointment.
- If you are currently suffering from a fever or any upper respiratory or flu-like symptoms such as cough or sore throat, please do not come to our office, as we will be unable to see you unless you have received clearance from your primary care physician indicating those symptoms are not related to the coronavirus.
- If any of your family members or close contacts currently have or have recently had a fever or any flu-like or upper respiratory symptoms, such as cough or sore throat, we ask that you self-quarantine for 14 days from your last contact before visiting our office.
- If you have traveled outside of the United States or to any known outbreak areas in the last 14 days, we will be unable to see you before the conclusion of a 14 day self-quarantine period. This includes all hot spots within the United States as designated on the CDC website.
FURTHER MEASURES TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH
We have implemented a new check-in system whereby our patients will be able to come into the office to check-in, provide us with their cell phone number and then return to their cars. Our staff will prepare for your visit and call you when we are ready to take you directly to an exam room to be seen. If you do not have a cell phone you will be allowed to wait in our waiting rooms, but we request that you practice social distancing and remain at least six feet apart from any other patients that may be present in the waiting area.
If you are scheduled for an appointment, please do not arrive more than 15 minutes early to your visit, as we will not be able to accommodate early check-in. If you need to bring someone along to your visit, please bring only one caregiver or additional person with you to your appointment.
In addition to our normal infection protocols, we will now be taking additional measures to clean rooms in between patient visits. We are limiting the movement of patients in our office and isolating patients to one room when possible. We have removed additional chairs and all magazines from all of our waiting areas. Through all of these changes, please know that we are grateful to have you as a patient!
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
First and foremost, remain calm and have patience as we work in an ever evolving “new normal” for patient care right now. If you are having any symptoms of a flu-like illness, including fever, cough or sore throat, we ask that you consider seeing your primary care physicians for a diagnosis and for your peace of mind; and by all means, stay home until you have either been cleared from a diagnosis of COVID-19 or until you are fully recovered.
Beyond this we need to take care of ourselves and each other by practicing the guidelines of the CDC for good hygiene, social distancing and infection control. Below is a link from the CDC website that may help you with some tips for taking care of yourself and other during this challenging time.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention/html
Thank you for your patience and support as we work together to not only protect ourselves from coronavirus, but to ensure that you are getting your needs met regarding your eye care. Please check back periodically on our website for more information on our response as well as information you can use to stay healthy!
Thank you,
Dr. Reena Patel and the Wichita Vision Institute staff
I Can See Clearly Now
by Don Burrows
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel saved my wife’s vision and mine too. I now live 770 miles from her office and would still make the trip, even if it required a cross-country trip.
I highly recommend Dr. Patel
by Jim Guhl
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel is a physician whose sincere goal is to improve the quality of life for her patients. When I first became a patient under Dr. Patel’s care, I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes; dry eye syndrome; and astigmatism. Previous records from my Lasik surgery, which occurred 17 years ago, were no longer available. The Lasik surgery documentation was important in determining the exact corrections that now needed to be made to properly correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel wisely recommended I postpone the cataract removal and astigmatism correction procedure, until she received newly developed diagnostic equipment. This newly developed technology would provide her with the most accurate metrics possible. New specialized lens implants were also becoming available, which would correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel explained my chances for a successful outcome would be significantly increased if I would be patient and wait a little longer. Dr. Patel is truly a physician with high integrity and would never perform surgery until she knew it was the right time. She truly cares about providing her patients with the best care she can. Dr. Patel successfully treated my dry eye symptoms with a regiment of eye drops, cleansing techniques and vitamins, which prevented me from requiring more extensive - and more expensive treatment. Prior to the surgery on my right eye, she provided me with sample eye drops from her office and coupons for the eye drops I would need to purchase after my surgery. She did all she could to reduce my expenses. During preparations for right eye surgery, Dr. Patel spent quality time with me explaining the results of my pre-surgery testing and asking questions to determine my vision goals. One of my desires was to once again see the front sight on a pistol. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the firing range, but due to the cataract in my right eye I could no longer see the sights, on my pistol. Although the cataract in my left eye was not as bad yet – I was also experiencing difficulty seeing and firing left handed. Using a blue gun (authentic plastic replica of a Sig P229 pistol), Dr. Patel took additional measurements which she used in determining the correct lens to implant, during my surgery. My right eye surgery took place on November 1, 2017. Two days after the surgery, I happened to glance at my mobile phone and for the first time in 10 years or more, I could read the information on the screen without glasses. I pulled the Sig out of its case and – wow! – The sight picture was there clear as a bell. So the right eye cataract is gone along with the rainbow halos around cars at night and the astigmatism has been corrected better than I dreamed possible. Quality of life restored! The process included the latest diagnostic equipment; the newest technology in an intraocular lens implant; and the use of a laser surgery technique performed by Dr. Patel. Sadly, insurance does not cover much of the cost for the process that produces the optimal results. When it comes to the long term correction of your vision and significant increase in the quality of life it is well worth the investment. Dr. Patel is a very accomplished and highly competent physician and surgeon. I will be forever grateful to her for restoring my vision. I highly recommend Dr. Patel. Jim Guhl Wichita, KS November 13, 2017
In Good Hands
by Luke F.
Category: lasik surgeryTalk about a life changing surgery!!! From the consultation to the surgery I knew I was in good hands. I would recommend WVI to anyone who is considering LASIK. Thanks WVI!
Life Changing!
by Ashley J.
Category: lasik surgeryI love Dr. Patel! After having my dreams crushed at another place when they told me I wasn't a candidate, I went to Dr Patel for a lasik consultation. She is very thorough and gave me information about my eyes that no doctor in almost 20 years has told me. A week ago I had Lasik and it has been life changing! I couldn't be happier and I'm so glad I chose Dr Patel. She truly cares about her patients and her passion shows. The wait time can be very long, but if you are prepared for that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed once you see the doctor. I'm recommending WVI to everyone I know. She is now the only doctor I trust for my eyes.
Impressed with Dr. Patel and Staff
by William D.
Category: cataract surgeryI first saw Dr. Patel about 6 years ago when my left eye wandered to the left side and stayed there. She sent me to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. No reason was ever found as to why it did that but it corrected itself after about two months. Since then I have been seeing Dr. Patel regularly. I damaged the left eye in an accident and had to have a vitrectomy performed. She referred me to another specialist Dr. Paul Weishaar and that outcome was also great. The eye did develop a cataract and she performed that surgery a few months ago and suggested a plan for treating dry eyes. It was outstanding and since wearing glasses for over 50 years, I now just wear sunglasses. Simply amazing. Dr. Patel and her staff are the greatest and they know other great professionals if the need arises. They also do charity work and they are all a total blessing to me. I would not even consider going anywhere else. Just gotta love them.
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