We are pleased to announce that Heffington’s reopened its doors on May 4th! We will be open from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. going forward. However, things will look a little different when you stop by for your next appointment. As our primary concern is the health and safety of our patients and employees, we have adjusted our typical procedures to reduce the spread of germs. We heard a story about restaurants utilizing outdoor seating and thought, “Why not us?!” So for the time being, weather permitting, we will be conducting the majority of our services outdoors.
Opting for Open-Air Optical Care
Why are we offering our optical services al fresco? While staying home and social distancing are the best ways to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, if you must come into contact with other people, it’s safer to do so outdoors (source). In enclosed, indoor spaces, the concentration of contaminated air increases. The virus does not transmit as well outdoors, and heat, sunlight, and humidity are not ideal conditions for the virus to thrive.
Of course, there are still many risks present outdoors. People infected with COVID-19 can emit virus particles into the air by coughing, sneezing, or speaking. For that reason, in addition to moving some of our equipment outside, we have many new procedures in place.
Our staff members have received OSHA training and certification to ensure they can create and maintain a safe environment for our patients. We will also be regularly cleaning and disinfecting the clinic, including all of our equipment and products. So if you need to purchase new eyewear, don’t worry – the eyeglass frames will be regularly sanitized for your protection. Furthermore, we are utilizing the latest non-contact digital phoropter (the instrument used to test individual lenses on each eye during an eye exam), so your doctor can remotely control the instrument while keeping a safe distance.
In addition, we have begun utilizing drive-thru and curbside pickup to minimize contact and reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. When you arrive, simply call or text 417-882-3937, and we will meet you outside.
Guidelines for Patients
Before you visit Heffington’s please read through these guidelines to ensure that you know what to expect:
- You must wear a sanitary mask and gloves. Please bring your own mask and gloves from home, and put them on before you exit your vehicle.
- Because we are limiting capacity, only patients will be allowed to enter the clinic.
- Please follow social distancing guidelines, staying at least six feet away from staff members and other patients.
- We will check your temperature before your appointment. You will be asked to reschedule if your temperature is above 99.0° Fahrenheit.
- To avoid cross-contamination that could occur through the use of pens, paper, and clipboards, please preregister for your appointment online.
Supporting Local Businesses
This is a difficult time for many small businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has sent shock waves through our community, and many business owners are struggling to make ends meet. So as you choose which companies to patronize, we encourage you to support your favorite local businesses.
As Americans we get to choose who we support and where our care comes from!
– Bob Heffington, founder of Heffington Optical
At Heffington’s, we construct your lenses at our laboratory in Springfield, Missouri. We also search for and select frame manufacturers located in the United States. So if you want to support your local and national economy, look no further than Heffington’s.
To get started, simply send a picture of your eyeglasses prescription, a picture of your face, and a description of your preferences to Heather Heffington at heather@Heffingtons.com. Certified by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE), Heather will guide you through the process. It’s as easy as that!
