The pandemic hit each of us differently. This is a catastrophic life event nobody could have prepared for and how we respond to it is something only we can determine. No patterns are available for us to imitate, no rules to follow. Basically, it’s a free-for-all.

I’m one of the last doctors I know who only now restarted seeing patients in person. My practice didn’t stop. I continued seeing patients online. Those with concerns that couldn’t be solved via computer-based check-ups were informed right away and referred accordingly. I knew from the onset that virtual consults could not replace physical interaction. Now that I’m back in the clinic, I get to interact with them in real life.

I still perform online consults. It’s the wave of the future, and most eye concerns (dryness, styes, eye irritation to name a few) can be dealt with without a physical check-up. This way, only those who really need to be seen in person will be, and so will be safer (in a way) from being infected from others’ illnesses.

I understand the unwillingness of people to go out. I’m still wary of being in the company of people I don’t know — “what if they have COVID?” But, it’s frustrating if patients you’re handling truly need to go see you in person but won’t because they’re scared of the virus. Many eye conditions that could have been saved weren’t because patients were afraid to leave their homes. Please, don’t wait until you’re bleeding out before you bring yourself to the hospital. Doctors will always be there to take care of you and will make sure you are safe and protected from harm.