Partial Surgery Ban Lift
Elective Surgery Ban Partially Lifted
We have just received news that Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has partially lifted the statewide ban on elective surgeries effective May 1st, which includes popular and visually important procedures we perform here at the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center. HOWEVER, please understand that Governor Ducey’s new executive order from April 22nd only modifies the existing surgery ban, but does not eliminate it. He has now tasked the Arizona Department of Health Services with a list of items that each facility needs to provide in order to apply for an EXEMPTION to the ongoing elective surgery ban.
The difficulty is that the Arizona Department of Health Services was caught off guard and has not had a chance to compile the exact requirements for the exemption. Once this process has been finalized, there will then be an application process for each surgical facility to apply for an exemption, and we do not know how quickly the AZ Dept. of Health Services will issue the exemption. Thus, the process is much more cumbersome and complicated than what has been portrayed in the media.
If indeed the proposed process does go smoothly, then it would be great news in terms of our community's health and the local economy. It also means that if you previously had surgery scheduled, or would like to investigate a customized cataract surgery or laser eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), we would be able to move forward with your procedure.
We appreciate your patience as we wait out this unprecedented surgery ban, so that emergency room and hospital facilities could focus medical supplies for their most urgent needs, including treating patients who had suffered from COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Please know that our outstanding surgery center team will be reaching out to each of our patients who had to postpone his/her surgery due to this ban as soon as possible once we have more information from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Until we have further direction and know that we can obtain an exemption, we will not be calling patients to reschedule surgeries quite yet.
We will be working through our postponed surgery list based upon priority, which includes those patients who have waited the longest as well as those patients whose visual needs are the most urgent. PLEASE BE PATIENT AS OUR GOAL IS TO SATISFY EACH OF YOUR NEEDS TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITIES, but there will need to be some understanding and flexibility on your part as well.
This is an excellent time to get in to see us quickly for a surgery consultation as well, as we may be able to schedule you an appointment sooner than usual, and if surgery is indicated then you can be enjoying your new life post-surgery hopefully very soon!
As the Founder & Medical Director of this medical/surgical practice for 31 years serving this community, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to see us, and for supporting our local community businesses so our economy can strengthen, and we can all thrive and be here for your needs. I ask you to consider calling us to schedule an appointment as well for your routine medical or vision annual exam, knowing we can get you in quickly, and give you the extra time you deserve. Dr. Manuel Zambrano and Dr. Mark Yates greatly look forward to servicing your eye care needs!
Your eye health as well as cosmetic needs are important to us. Both Roxanne Dorty, R.N. (Certified Aesthetic Laser Nurse), and Stephanie Morlock, C.P.C.P. (Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional), are ready and available to assist you with your facial aesthetic and permanent makeup needs. Please do not hesitate to contact our office for a consultation and/or treatment session with either Roxanne or Stephanie.
I consider it a true honor for our practice and team to be able to provide you with the highest quality services as we have for over three decades. We greatly look forward to seeing you soon!
Emilio M. Justo, M.D.
Medical Director
Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center
623-975-2020
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CATARACT SURGERY: Let us customize your cataract surgery. The photo atop this email features me with a patient, at our LenSx femtosecond laser for refractive cataract surgery - just one of the many technologies we have invested in to offer you the most superior vision results. This is also an excellent time to consider cataract surgery, as we now feature the AcrySof PanOptix trifocal lens that for the first time can dramatically improve your vision from near to intermediate to far.
EYELID SURGERY: This patient below is enjoying the benefits of her eyelid surgery, which is often authorized through insurance. Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure that regains lost peripheral vision, restores your eye beauty, and renews your confidence. This patient drove all the way from Queen Creek!
EMERGENCY/SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS: During this unprecedented time, we have never stopped taking emergency and same day exams, and we welcome you to come see us if you need urgent assistance.
ROUTINE & MEDICAL EYE EXAMS: We have also continued to schedule routine and comprehensive medical eye exams, as your vision and any need for eyeglasses or contact lenses is essential. We invite you to stop on by and not miss your annual exam.
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As always during the cold and flu season that we are now in, we ask that you reschedule any appointment if you feel ill, have experienced a fever within the last 24 hours or are concerned that you may have been exposed to someone with these symptoms. We will be asking screening questions as patients arrive.
It is important that you know we are continuing to monitor COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and will follow our usual OSHA guidelines for infection control. We are closely following the Center for Disease Control's recommendations as we learn more about the Coronavirus. We have increased our strong disinfection protocol and maintaining deep cleaning standards.
You are like family to us, and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you soon!