The schedule for Monday, the day of the eclipse, has been set at Danville Family Eye Care, in Danville, Indiana. But Keely Allen, OD, and office manager Cassandra Brackmann are a little uncertain about how the day will turn out in the path of the total eclipse.
“We’re planning on working a half day and closing around 1,” Brackmann says. With totality expected to hit around 3 p.m., “that should give people time to get home.” But police have warned businesses that the day could draw an anticipated five-fold of other big event traffic. “The police have been by with maps, noting that the streets need to remain clear. We will reserve our private parking spots for our patients,” she says. Left turns from main roads will be prohibited, which should make it a little easier to keep traffic flowing.
TRAFFIC CONCERNS
Brackmann has fielded phone calls from parents who hoped to squeeze in an eye exam for their children. The schools have switched to an e-learning day, so many parents are staying home, too. Other patients are calling, saying they still plan on coming but have concerns about the potential traffic volume. “There are stories about people who were stuck in traffic for 16 hours in 2017 trying to get home,” she says.
Danville was not in the path of totality in 2017. Although there was some excitement around that solar eclipse, it’s amped up a lot this year. It also seems that people in town are a little more proactive, with many having purchased their solar eclipse glasses far in advance. The town library and parks department also have been giving away solar eclipse glasses. Even so, she’s selling a few per day and might see a mad rush on those over the next few days if other supplies dwindle.
SPREADING THE WORD
Dr. Allen has been using the practice’s Facebook and other social media sites to reinforce eye safety messages. In 2017, the staff posted fun photos of the team wearing their solar eclipse glasses. Dr. Allen included tips on how to get a better, tighter fit for kids wearing their solar eclipse glasses.
They’ll do the same this year – and hope that their schedule for the day withstands the bright glare of the sun.
See other stories about the solar eclipse here – and share your own stories and photos from 2017 or 2024 by emailing us.
Photos from Danville Family Eye Care
