As the facts and situation around COVID-19 (coronavirus) continue to evolve, and in step with Gov. Newsom's recent Declaration of a State of Emergency, including the call for all seniors over the age of 65 and residents with chronic conditions to self-isolate at home, the California Optometric Association is requesting the cooperation of all California optometrists and issuing the following guidance:
The California Optometric Association strongly recommends that optometrists practicing in California voluntarily suspend nonessential or nonurgent optometry care for the next 14 days. As always, it is expected that optometrists will continue to be available as needed for emergency care and services.
COA does not make this request lightly, and it is being done out of an abundance of caution during this historic public health emergency. As health care professionals, we all have a role to play in "flattening the curve" in order to follow sound, scientific public health advice to help limit infections and slow the spread of the virus.
Sincerely,
Jason Tu, OD
President