Optometry
Without the need for exposure-prone or invasive techniques, the optometry industry may be viewed as being the least at risk of cross-transmission of infection. There are, however, a wide variety of microorganisms that inhabit the periocular region, and eye infections need serious consideration in the rise of infection.
Bacteria, viruses, chlamydia, fungi and acanthamoeba may be spread between patients if strict hygiene protocols are not adhered to.
Other threats of infection should be taken into account, as they may occur via transmission between healthcare workers, optometry technicians and patients.
Common infections seen in the optometric practice are those relayed via skin infections - staphylococcus, herpes or fungi - or enteric infections, such as gastroenteritis, for example.
Airborne infections also pose a risk in the optometry industry. Patients who come into the practice with respiratory illnesses such as influenza, tuberculosis or coronavirus may risk infecting their healthcare provider, technician or other patients through airborne particles or surface contamination.
Briotech
Eyecare is an important part of infection control, both in patients who enter the optometry practice and while they are in their home environment. Briotech, the only safe and non-toxic hypochlorous acid (HOCl) solution, offers an effective measure for infection control in these sensitive tissues. It can be applied directly to the skin, open wounds, and mucous membrane without sensitivity or injury. It is a completely natural antimicrobial agent that is gentle enough for everyday use that kills microorganisms, neutralizes toxins on contact and improves glandular secretions, which makes it an appealing solution in optometric practice.
UV Smart
In addition to Briotech for surface and environment cleaning, non-critical and semi-critical medical instruments and equipment can be easily disinfected to prevent cross-transmission using the UV smart device. It offers a 5log disinfec- tion solution using contained UV light and Impelux technology in as little as 25-100 seconds, which kills pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi and yeasts.
CASPR
Surface cleaning and air purification may further improve the hygiene practices in optometry. Removing the need for physical cleaning and disinfection, the CASPR device offers a no-touch, continuous control of aerosol- and surface-contamination. Simply installed into the HVAC system, it blankets surfaces with a proven reduction of 99.9% CFUs by converting water into oxidizing molecules.
Light Progress
Additionally, the Light progress, which uses UV light in a fan with a germicidal box, filters and decontaminates the environment while neutralizing odours, leav- ing you with facility wide purified air.