The Kinetic Centre - Dr. Ryan Comeau May 27, 2020 (photo courtesy Bob Schneider)

By Chantal Wagner

hands on services

Clients glad to receive personal services like chiro and eye appointments again

May 27, 2020 | 5:21 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Phase one of Alberta’s relaunch plan included resuming scheduled surgeries, dental procedures, chiropractic, optometry, and physiotherapy this month with COVID-19 health regulations in place.

Those hands-on services are following the guidelines laid out by their specific provincial colleges.

That includes the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors.

I spoke with chiropractor Dr. Ryan Comeau with the Kinetic Centre.

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He says it’s been an easy transition to keep patients and staff safe.

They are maintaining social distance, added extra sanitizing methods, and are screening patients with a questionnaire before their appointment.

Personal protective equipment like masks are also being worn by staff and clients.

But being a hands-on profession, Dr. Comeau says treatment will continue as normal.

“A lot of people who are struggling with muscular-skeletal conditions and this is what was keeping them going so having that two-month break was really hard for some people that used chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy to get through their activities of daily life. So a lot of patients are happy to come back and get the appropriate work that they need to be done,” Dr. Comeau said.

As a chiropractor, he’s also able to offer acupuncture as a form of treatment under the regulations of their professional body.

Meantime, eye doctors are following similar guidelines laid out by the Alberta College of Optometrists.

Plastic shields are up between the equipment to act as a barrier between doctor and patient. Masks are also worn by doctors and staff and they are strongly recommended for patients.

Dr. Clark Hyde with 20/20 Vision Care says since starting regular eye exams again, they’ve seen an increase in demand for vision care for all ages.

He says they continue to make emergency care a huge priority.

So if someone has an urgent eye-health concern they will do their best to see them the same day or soon after.

He says scheduling has been a hurdle, but patients are understanding that they might have to wait a bit longer.

“Young parents, in particular, are finding this a good time to come to get their kid’s eyes checked for whatever school might look like in the fall. We have some adjusted appointment schedules to allow appropriate time for disinfection and things like that. And because of that, we’re not quite able to see the volume of people that we use to see,” Dr. Hyde said.

As for dental care, Alberta dentists have resumed full services.

Clinics are following the many guidelines laid out by the Alberta Dental Association and College.