George Bodenner was referred to BayCare Clinic Eye Specialists from the Veterans Affairs hospital and has continued his care there even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He is nearly 92 years old.
“He has a number of different eye conditions, so we have to go,” says his wife Doris, who assists her husband at his appointments. “They have always taken really good care of us, and this time is no different.”
George, who walks with a cane, has had several appointments over the last few months. George had a corneal transplant previously and requires regular checkups. He also experienced a blister on his eye that required a visit to BayCare Clinic Eye Specialists, Doris says.
He and Doris have experienced first-hand the new protocols and regulations in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, she says.
“All our visits have been great. They take our temperatures right in our car before we even go in,” she says. “Then we park the car and we wait until our exam room is ready. For us, they just arrived right at our car door with a wheelchair for George and took us right back to our room.”
All BayCare Clinic Eye Specialist locations have resumed operations, but it does look different for patients. Protocols including curbside check-in, social distancing, decreased access to waiting rooms, and extensive cleaning and disinfecting measures have been put into place.
Additionally, all patients and staff have their temperatures checked before entering the building and are required to wear masks while in the building.
Because of the frequency of his visits, George has seen several providers on staff, says Doris.
“The care and concern shown by everyone there is just lovely,” she says. “Dr. Bergmann particularly though has been great. He explains things in a way that is calm and not alarming. He is very good at putting us at ease, as is his staff.”
George and Doris will continue to see providers at BayCare Clinic Eye Specialists both in Green Bay and in Sturgeon Bay -- where they live.
“We really feel very comfortable with it all,” says Doris.