NEW YORK—There is absolutely no making light of our current situation. The COVID-19 pandemic is an international tragedy, and there’s no denying that—but in times of extreme unhappiness, it’s important and helpful to be positive where and whenever we can in order to help ourselves and those around us get through an otherwise overwhelming period. For ECPs, this pandemic has ultimately meant many practices either have been or will be forced to temporarily close their doors until it is safe to open up once again. In addition, routine eye exams will have to be on pause for the time being. This is devastating for so many of us—but in spite of this, ECPs all around the world have been coming together to spread positivity and messages of help and hope however they can.

This week, we headed over to Instagram to take a look at how independent ECPs are doing their part to keep spirits up amid this time of international fear and uncertainty.



Bridgitte Shen Lee, OD, and her staff at Vision Optique in Houston, Texas, shared support and detailed information on Instagram, including what constitutes an optical emergency, how to get ahold of help when needed and why staying home and closing the practice is so important right now. Image via Dr. Shen Lee on Instagram





Invision Family Eyecare, located in Concord, North Carolina, shared a positive, reassuring message on their Instagram for Motivation Monday. Image via Invision Family Eyecare on Instagram.




The team at Village Eye Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, used their Instagram to show why and how flattening the curve is so important. Image via Village Eye Centre on Instagram.


 

Cherry Optical Lab, an independent optical laboratory in Green Bay, Wisconsin, brightened the mood by sharing a sweet picture of office dog Rain. Image via Cherry Optical Lab on Instagram.




The team at Paoli, Pennsylvania-based Sorella Optique and Eyecare reminded patients that contact lenses are still available online, and that supporting small businesses is more important now than ever before. Image via Sorella Optique and Eyecare on Instagram. 




Optician turned Ørgreen + Goldsmith sales rep Tamara Stockdale shared a well-deserved thank you to the people who are keeping us all safe and keeping the world running through this crisis. Image via Tamara Stockdale on Instagram.




Eyes on Broadway in Portland is offering curbside pickup for contact lenses. On Instagram, the indie practice showed how it works. Image via Eyes on Broadway on Instagram.