To Our Patients and Community,

We hope you and your loved ones are in good health. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a lot of turmoil these past few months, and while many things have changed, you can continue to count on us: the physicians and clinical care teams of New York Cornea PLLC and Columbia University Medical Center.

We want you to feel confident about returning for your next in-person appointment, therefore we have made a number of changes to protect you and our care teams: 

• Confirming your Appointment: You will receive a phone call 1-3 days prior to confirm the date and time of your scheduled appointment. During your confirmation call, the staff will ask a series of questions related to your health to ensure that you can safely attend your appointment.
• Checking in: On arrival, we ask that you call the office to alert staff that you are ready [ (914) 723-1641 or (212) 305-3378 ]. A staff member will call you to ask COVID-19 screening questions and begin the appointment over the phone. You will then receive another call when the exam room is ready for you. Co-pays are due at the time of visit, and can be processed remotely.
• Screening at Welcome Stations: Upon entering the office, a staff member will take your temperature using a contactless device. We request that only the patient and essential companions enter the office and examination room.
• In the Office
  
  • Staff and Patient Protection: Our care teams follow CDC guidelines, have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and wear it at all times. We have also established screening and testing protocols for our care teams. For our safety and yours, we ask you and any companions to wear a mask that covers you mouth and nose for the duration of your visit.
  • Disinfection: Our locations are repeatedly and thoroughly sanitized throughout each day. Exam rooms are cleaned extensively between every patient visit. 
  • Waiting Room: If you must spend time in the waiting room, we have taken several steps to practice safe distancing, including reduced and spaced out seating and rigorous and frequent cleaning.
• Checking out: Future visits can be processed remotely or at the front desk.

In addition to in-person appointments, We have received a positive response to our Telehealth virtual visits. These will continue to be available for both returning and new patients. In the safety and convenience of your home, you will be able to get answers to your medical questions and second opinions. Just call us to schedule an appointment, and we can help determine if you need an in-person or video visit. 

We will continue to follow the NYS Department of Health guidelines, and focus on delivering care at the highest safety standards. We remain dedicated to serving our patients and communities. From all of us at Columbia, Weill Cornell Medicine, and New York-Presbyterian: thank you for trusting us with your care. Be well, stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon.