Alliance RetinaIt's Simple-All Patients, All Problems, All the Time

When the pandemic started, new cases overwhelmed some regions resulting in widespread sickness and death. Responses were regional but there was no national coordination and as a result what we are facing now is many times worse. We must now take even more care to protect you as we also care for your vision.

Many factors have led to increasing cases and deaths this fall. Misinformation has been spread by the President and some media that masks are not important. They are a very important and effective way to protect yourself and others. This is not a time to indulge in rumors and conspiracie theories. It is a time to pull together and make sacrifices, however inconvenient, to protect ourselves and each other.

It is in our power to save ourselves and each other. Letting the disease "run its course" is negligent manslaughter. Demanding personal liberties, rather than pulling together, is selfish and destructive. Following expert leadership is simple and will save hundreds of thousands of lives. We have to act here and now to make that happen.

We can save lives in two ways, first and most importantly by keeping people from getting sick in the first place. This is simple. Wear masks, wear them correctly, and practice social distancing. The second is having hospital resources available for people who do get sick. This can only happen if we keep those cases to a minimum. We are facing a real threat of simply having no ability to keep hospital resources available to all who need them.

1- If you need to come in, then keep your appointment.
2- If you are doing okay, put off your appointment for a month or two.
2- When you come in, wear a mask (correctly). Your nose MUST be covered.
3- Keep socially distant. DON'T go out of state or gather in groups more than 6 people. If you do, you must quarantine for two weeks. 4- If you are sick, have a fever, or have been exposed within the last two weeks, stay home.

The states with the most Covid are states. where people have been told by their preferred politicians and media outlets that masks are useless or an insult to their personal liberty. Tragically this means that those who have believed this and used masks less are now suffering and even dying as a result. In spite of our Governor's heroic efforts, Ohio is a state in crisis. It is within our power to avoid further sickness and death.

The vaccines are based on a new technology that stimulates the body to make its own proteins which stimulate the immune system to make antibodies. They do not get into your DNA and cause any harm. Once vaccinated, you are not immediately immune. It takes time for those antibodies to be made. Until enough people are vaccinated, IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE VERY IMPORTANT TO USE MASKS FOR MONTHS TO COME, REGARDLESS OF THE VACCINES.

But it can be misused, and it is a great tool when trying to instill fear of unknown powers. Our healthcare leaders are not the enemy though, and the science of managing epidemics is no mystery.

But, we have to decide to have it. We need to accept some inconvenience now to protect ourselves and those we love. This is the alternative. We apologize for deferring appointments, but if your vision is stable, this is what we are seeking to prevent.