A quick update for Schott Eye Care patients

Please share so patients and non-patients can be informed.

First, as of yesterday I laid off 4 of my 6 staff members. Thanks to Gov. Wolf and PA’s expansion of UC benefits, that move will allow them to be home to tend and support loved ones in the challenging weeks ahead.

We will still have staffing at our Port Allegany and Coudersport offices to facilitate phone contact lens orders, medication refill requests and urgent care treatment.
We will be in the Bradford office today (Friday March 20th) but will close it on Monday March 23rd until this crisis passes. Any patients normally seen in Bradford should contact our Port Allegany office (814-642-9408) or Coudersport office (814-274-8717). We will make special arrangements for opening the Bradford location as needed for pick ups or appointments.

The March 6th federal pandemic relief bill allows for expanded use of telemedicine to meet the needs of our patients. So if you have concerns about your eyes, contact the office and my staff will arrange a consultation via FaceTime, Skype or phone call to address your concern. If it is determined a physical office visit is necessary, that visit will be arranged after the initial remote consult.

I have a VERY limited supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for myself and staff. In accordance with CDC guidelines all routine care is being suspended so as to not unnecessarily waste the local or national supplies. We’re sorry for this necessary inconvenience. I am going through my schedule day-by-day to determine what care is necessary and what can be postponed. This will take some time. If you currently have an appointment scheduled we will contact you to make other arrangements after I have reviewed your file.

Until Gov. Wolf opens non-life-sustaining businesses, we will be selling eyeglasses by phone order. We will facilitate in office sales by appointment ONLY and ONLY if absolutely necessary.

If you need to pick up a contact lens or glasses order, or NEED to have your glasses adjusted or repaired we ask that you call ahead. We will make arrangements to meet you and handle that interaction in the better ventilated outside air.
I ask that in the coming months you all stay safe and healthy so we may continue to meet your eye care needs for years to come.

Sincerely,
Daniel Schott, OD