Michelina Timenovich, OD

Past weeks have been very difficult and challenging amidst the #covid19 crisis, next weeks (months) are crucial for all of us to come together to combat the pan...demic. Big thanks to future Dr. Maria Nguyen @theeyechick and Dr. Kate Hamm @dr.instahamm for this awesome collaboration idea The purpose of this collaboration is to educate #StayAtHome #ContactLensSafety Stay Home to #SaveLives and #FlattenTheCurve: 1. #stayhome if you are not a front line health care providers and first responder, or work in essential business 2. #socialdistancing and #wearmask if you must leave the house, you can make or obtain cloth face mask. If you have #N95 masks, please consider donating them to your local hospitals 3. #washyourhands often with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds #ContactLens safety: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that contact lens use is not as safe as glasses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The key is to NOT touch your face and to follow these safety precautions: 1. Always wash your hands before touching contact lens; DO NOT sleep, swim, and shower in your contact lens 2. Dispose your contact lens daily for 1-day lenses; disinfect non daily disposable contact lens with proper solution and clean case. The hydrogen peroxide based solution is ideal. If using a multi-purpose solution, rub the lens for at least 10 seconds with 10 drops of solution, rinse well, then store in fresh/clean solution over night. Never re-use the same solution the next day 3. Discontinue use of contact lens if your eyes are bothering you and call your #optometrist or #ophthalmologist with any eye irritation/discomfort/infection concerns. Many #eyedoctors have tele-health consultations available. Do not go to neighborhood ER or urgent care clinics for eye issues without talking to an eye doctor first #EyeGlasses safety: 1. Do not put your #glasses on and off and touch your face 2. Wash your glasses with half drop of non-lotion containing soap or dish detergent and warm water, rinse well. Do not dry your glasses with any paper product (tissue, napkin, paper towel) because they will scratch the lens coatings. Dry glasses with soft cotton (old t-shirt works if you do not have lens cloth at home). 3. Every contact lens wearer should have at least one pair of glasses with current prescription, obtain a pair from your local neighborhood optometrist when it is safe to do so #StrongerTogether #WeAreInThisTogether #optometry #optometrists #visionoptique #digitaleyedoc #Htown

As of Tuesday evening, March 17th, the CDC has recommended that all routine eye care be deferred until further notice, in order to slow the transmission of COVID-19 through our community. Please be assured that we are still available to triage all urgent and emergent issues. What does this mean?... 1) If you are scheduled for an annual eye examination we will tentatively reschedule you. 2) If you are running out of a medication please contact us and we can transmit a refill electronically to your pharmacy. 3) If you have an issue which cannot wait for an office visit, contact us and we will schedule a FaceTime, Skype or Telephone appointment. Medicare has temporarily relaxed its telehealth rules to allow this type of communication during the pandemic crisis. Other insurers may follow suit and allow for reimbursement of virtual care costs. The consultation must be initiated at your request. 4) If you have an ocular emergency we are, as always, available to help you. Please call 805-237-0275 or email [email protected]. Dr. Timenovich will try their best to meet you in the office whenever possible. In some instances a house call may be possible if you cannot leave your home. If not we will direct you to the nearest eye emergency facility. 5) During this period of social distancing and quarantine, we must all do our part by restricting activities outside the home except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis. 6) Please remember that 80% of COVID-19 cases are mild and resolve within a week. However, if you feel your symptoms are worsening, call ahead before visiting your doctor’s office or emergency department and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients. See more

Use your vision benefits before they expire at the end of the year! Dr. Hopper is seeing patients while Dr. Timenovich is on maternity leave! Call our office at (805) 237-0275 or email us at [email protected] to schedule an appointment right now! You can request appointments online as well. Click Book Now!

We as Optometrists aren’t lying to you when we tell you not to shower or swim in your contacts. You’re only given one pair of eyes, treat them well.

June is Cataract Awareness Month http://www.allaboutvision.com/faq/cataracts.htm

Cornea of the Eye - Definition and Detailed Illustration http://www.allaboutvision.com/resources/cornea.htm

It's World No Tobacco Day! [Infographic: Why Smoking Is Bad For Your Eyes] http://www.allaboutvision.com/smoking/infographic.htm

Fidget Spinners: A New Hazard to Kids' Eyes? http://www.allaboutvision.com/toys-to-avoid/

How Much Do You Really Know About Sunglasses and UV Rays? http://www.allaboutvision.com/sunglass/sunglasses_quiz.htm

Hide your age with these no-line bifocals. http://www.allaboutvision.com/over40/progressive.htm

5 Sight Saving Eye Tests For Older Eyes + Fall Prevention Video http://www.allaboutvision.com/over60/eye-exams.htm

What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)? http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/myopia.htm

Why Does My Eye Twitch? http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/eye-twitching.htm