By Chris Boschetto, President, Trinity Building Services
In every optometry office, there is inherently a great deal of physical contact between patients and equipment. During flu season, the dangers of cross-contamination are heightened, as coughing, sneezing and other symptoms make germs more easily spread. A 100% sterile environment simply isn’t possible in service-oriented spaces, but there are steps that can be taken to minimize cross-contamination in eye care offices.
HIGH-TOUCH SURFACES AND SHARED SPACES
Doorknobs, the reception desk and self-service kiosks demand frequent and focused sanitation. Clipboards and pens, armrests, television remotes and even the push lever on hand sanitation dispensers in the waiting room should be thoroughly sanitized on a routine basis during operating hours. In short, any place where patients congregate while waiting to be served should be regularly wiped down with disinfectant formulated to kill flu-related germs.
Providing a clean environment is just as much about instilling patient confidence as it is about keeping a high standard of cleaning protocols. There should be visible evidence that the practice in general and the staff members specifically have the patient’s best interests in mind regarding safeguarding against cross-contamination. You don’t need to post signs everywhere—that can heighten fear that there’s some kind of problem—but there are subtle ways to promote a hygienic waiting area.
- Upholstered furniture is most comfortable, but vinyl or leather furnishings can readily be disinfected, much easier than fabric upholstery. Of course, resin or plastic is also a surface that’s easily cleaned in between seating. All surfaces—tables, counters, brochure stands—should be wiped down multiple times a day.
- Hand sanitizer dispensers should be in highly visible spots, and they should be wiped down routinely.
- Boxes of tissues should be within arm’s reach of every seat so a waiting client can get to one quickly when needed.
- Magazines and toys, if offered, should be wiped down on a regular basis. Plastic toys can be easily sanitized in the practice’s kitchen dishwasher.
Cross-contamination often occurs at the exam chair. Instruments like refractors, slit lamps and tonometers come into direct contact with patients and must be disinfected carefully between every exam. Alcohol-based wipes or single-use covers are valuable tools, but so is consistency. Staff need reminders to clean chin rests, forehead bands and any hand grips that patients might touch. Implementing a checklist system adds accountability, giving each team member a visual guide to confirm that the necessary steps have been followed.
Restrooms and staff lounges see heavy traffic, and germs spread easily from faucet handles, counters and doorknobs. Stocking antibacterial soap, maintaining functioning paper towel dispensers and frequently wiping down counters add layers of protection. Staff-only areas should follow the same protocols.
BEYOND FLU SEASON
While flu outbreaks make infection control urgent, offices benefit from applying these enhanced protocols year-round. Allergens, cold viruses and other pathogens don’t wait for flu season to strike. By treating cleaning as an ongoing responsibility rather than a seasonal scramble, practices build resilience. Clean spaces not only reduce cross-contamination risks but also boost morale among staff who want to work in a healthy environment.
Updated cleaning protocols provide female optometrists with a reliable framework to protect both their teams and their patients. From diligent surface cleaning and equipment sanitization to waiting room upkeep and hand hygiene, each step amounts to reinforced armor against illness.
REFERENCES
- https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/guidance/safety-and-quality/infection-control/principles-of-cleaning,-sterilisation-and-disinfec
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/hcp/infection-control/healthcare-settings.html
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1705999/
- https://apic.org/noncritical-is-critical/
Featured photo credit: Martinmark/Dreamstime
