COVID 19

We are now in the "Green phase" of the pandemic.

As a healthcare setting, and as a business owner I have a responsibility to look after my staff and all patients.

Everyone has their own thoughts and beliefs with regard to the Covid19 pandemic and there is no right or wrong.  We are all entitled to our own opinions based on our own personal experiences and those around us.

For Coton & Hamblin as a business to continue trading, I need my staff to be at work and be healthy.  In a healthcare setting, staff are not allowed to work if they have Covid19 and have to have 2 negative tests before they can return.

For these reasons, we would prefer patients to wear a mask - especially in the testing room, when the Optometrist has to get very close to check the health of the eyes.

We are still trying to see everyone by appointment as this has made us be more organised, there is less waiting for patients and it has also helped with staffing levels.

The door is still locked - which has been commented on negatively by a few patients. However, our reasoning is related to staffing - we have had lone working and reduced staff at the front of the practice and the locked door has been for their safety - and a positive effect has been that we haven't had as many thefts as we once did.

Even before Covid, we had cleaning policies in place, and this has remained - the Optometrists will clean the equipment for each patient and hand sanitiser and hand washing facilities are available.

If you are a vulnerable patient and have any concerns about attending, please call so we can discuss them and help reassure you.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported us throughout Covid.  It has been a really tough few years but great staff and patients have got us through.

Thank you

Mrs Joanna Cashell Optometrist and Managing Director