It is vitally important that every optical practice is a safe environment for both staff and patients alike, and infection control is paramount.
Covid has demonstrated the importance of strict infection control measures – and although these have now relaxed a little, it is still important to adhere to measures that minimise the risk of infection within the practice. In this article, we will look at some potential sources of infection and how these can be reduced.
There are many potential sources of infection throughout the practice, including clinical equipment, spectacle frames, contact lenses and more general surfaces, washrooms and kitchen areas. It is also important to maintain a high level of personal hygiene, including regular hand washing, especially before and after eating and going to the toilet.
The optical assistant (OA) is often involved in pre-screening patients, and it is important to clean equipment between each patient, with anti-bacterial wipes, or equivalent sanitiser. It is important to have a system so that the next person to use the equipment knows that it has been cleaned. If there is any doubt, then it should be cleaned again before the patient sits down.
The OA will also sometimes teach contact lens patients how to insert and remove their contact lenses, and this is an area where infection control is vital. You and the patient should wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap, and thoroughly dry them – ideally on a disposable paper towel.
The area should be cleaned with anti-bacterial wipes, and the expiry date should be checked on any solution bottles. A note should be made when a bottle is opened, and it should be discarded in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Care should be taken not to contaminate the dropper tip and the lid must be replaced after use – as all solutions are susceptible to contamination whilst the caps are removed. Any single use drops should be discarded after use.
Spectacle frames are often tried on by many different patients, and the risk of infection can be minimised by cleaning the frames in between patients. Surfaces should be wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes or spray. Remember to sanitise equipment such as door handles, light switches, phones and computer keyboards too. Sanitise also any tools you use to carry out adjustments, especially if the frame you are adjusting is visibly dirty.
It is all too easy to slip with a screwdriver and stab yourself in the hand, and if the screwdriver is contaminated, this can result in a potentially nasty infection. Ultrasonic cleaners are a useful tool for cleaning patient’s frames, but these can also become a source of infection if they are not cleaned and disinfected between patients.
To summarise, regular hand-washing and careful consideration to sterilisation can help to ensure that you have a safe and infection free environment for all members of staff and patients.
View the NHS National infection prevention and control guidance.
In next month’s article we will look at health and safety at work, and how this relates to an optical practice.
Sue Deal FBDO R is a practising dispensing optician, ABDO College examiner, senior tutor and supervisor for dispensing opticians. She is also a practice visitor and external moderator for ABDO. She was recently awarded the ABDO Medal of Excellence for her outstanding services to the profession.