COVID-19 Notice

On Tuesday evening, March 17th, the CDC recommended that all routine eye care be deferred until further notice, in order to slow the transmission of COVID-19 through our community.

Nebraska Eye Institute has made the difficult decision to reschedule all routine examinations. Please be assured that we are still available to triage all urgent and emergent issues as well as help you with routine matters during this challenging time.

What does this mean?

1) If you are scheduled for your routine eye examination we will tentatively reschedule your appointment.

2) If you need to replace eyeglasses or contact lenses and need an extension on your prescription, please contact us and we will assist you until you can come in for a visit.

3) If you are running out of an eye drop medication, please contact us and we can transmit a refill electronically to your pharmacy.

4) If you have an issue which cannot wait for an office visit, contact us and we will schedule a Telemedicine appointment with Dr. Rienks. Medicare has temporarily relaxed its telehealth rules to allow this type of communication during the pandemic crisis. Other insurers may follow suit and allow for reimbursement of virtual care costs. The consultation must be initiated at your request.

5) If you have an ocular emergency we are, as always, available to help you at any time. Call our clinic at (402)435-1166.

6) During this period of social distancing and quarantine, we must all do our part by restricting activities outside the home. As challenging as this is, it will remain temporary if all of us do our part.

7) Please remember that 80% of COVID-19 cases are mild and resolve within a week. However, if you feel your symptoms are worsening, call ahead before visiting your doctor’s office or emergency department and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves, other patients, and you.

The CDC has many wonderful resources. Arming yourself and your family with clear information will help you avoid undue stress.

https://www.cdc/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

We have asked our staff to reduce hours to match our patient needs. This is to protect them, our patients, our state, our nation, and our planet. Despite the financial and emotional hardships this will cause, we ask every one of you to do the same.

Together we will weather this storm.

With sincerest wishes for your continued good health,

Dr. Douglas Rienks

Linda, Kylee, Shauna, Josh, Sara and Tara

Nebraska Eye Institute

2550 Superior Street, Suite 150

Lincoln, NE 68521

Phone (402)435-1166