Practice Update...

Firstly, we want to say we sincerely hope you, your friends and family are healthy during these potentially stressful times.

We understand the growing concern surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) across the communities we serve.  The health and safety of our patients, physicians, and staff is our top priority.  Family Vision Care of Ponca City has been actively preparing our office, physicians, and employees to identify possible patients with the COVID-19 virus and to prevent transmission to themselves, other patients, and visitors.  We are following recommendations of the CDC, WHO, state and local health departments.

Based on current guidance and our own standards and practices, we remain open and ready to provide excellent patient care experiences.
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Patients with Upcoming Appointments
We are currently permitting only one caregiver to accompany patients to our office.  If you have traveled internationally, traveled on any cruise ship, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, we MUST reschedule your appointment for a future date.

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Please call or text our office at 580-762-5700 and our staff will reschedule your appointment.

A Note to Our Higher Risk Patients
As the virus continues to spread, we want to protect and safeguard our most vulnerable patients – the elderly, people with serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.  This includes patients with cancer, organ transplant, immune deficiency, and those on some medications that suppress their immune system.
Elderly and higher-risk patients should consider changing any routine, non-urgent visits to a later date.

Potential Disruptions to Our Regular Schedule
Depending on community trends with COVID-19, offices may reduce patient load or close with short notice.
We will notify you if it is necessary to temporarily close an office.

How is Family Vision Care of Ponca City preparing for COVID-19?

• We are encouraging sick employees to stay home.
• We are increasing awareness of all of our staff to be alert for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• Our practices employ proper environmental cleaning techniques.
• We are practicing safe hand hygiene in our office.
• We are proactively alerting patients who are ill, exposed to COVID-19 or those who have recently visited high-risk countries to reschedule appointments.

Practice Everyday Prevention

• As you touch people, surfaces, and objects throughout the day, you accumulate germs on your hands. You can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Although there is no vaccine available to prevent infection with the new coronavirus, you can take steps to reduce your risk of infection.  CDC and WHO recommend following the standard precautions for avoiding respiratory viruses:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you’re sick.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch. Stay home from work, school, and public areas if you’re sick.

We will be updating this information as new details become available. If you have questions or concerns about this information, please reach out to our office by calling or texting 580-762-5700.