Latest Decisions on Force Majeure in the COVID-19 Context
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the concept of force majeure to the forefront across multiple practice areas. The courts continue to shape the application of force majeure during the pandemic and two recent cases, outlined in the article, signal how some courts are... read more
Pandemic Telework Does Not Create Presumptive Right to Telework Post-Pandemic According to EEOC
Many have begun to question whether pandemic telework is creating a presumptive right to post-pandemic telework as a reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities. However, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) stated that the answer is still... read more
Take Home Lawsuits Over COVID Infections Could Be Costly for U.S. Employers
Many U.S. businesses with COVID-19 outbreaks are facing emerging legal threats from claims that workers brought coronavirus home and infected relatives. This article outlines this new development that one risk analysis firm said could cost employers billions of... read more
State-by-State COVID-19 Website URLs
This excel sheet provides the direct URL links to every state’s dedicated COVID-19 website. Download the Spreadsheet read more
DOL Issues New FFCRA Regulations To Replace Regulations Invalidated by New York Federal Court Last Month
A New York federal court has vacated certain aspects of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) regulations on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) impacting employee leave eligibility and entitlement. This article reviews the new regulations recently released... read more
OSHA Publishes New Guidance on Use of Cloth Face Coverings and Heat Illness Prevention
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released new guidance documents regarding face coverings and how employers can assist employees wearing masks while performing strenuous activities. OSHA recommends that employers continue to encourage... read more
Five Principles to Guide Adaptive Leadership
As the pandemic continues to evolve and present new challenges, leaders have the task of navigating the unknown. To combat this, many have turned to adaptive leadership. This article from Harvard Business Review delves into the key elements of adaptive leadership... read more
Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released information on how increasing ventilation, alongside best practices recommended by the CDC, can protect people from COVID-19. Increasing ventilation, the amount of outdoor air coming indoors, is an important... read more
COVID-19 Employer Information for Office Buildings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidance for employers regarding creating and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. The guidance suggests starting with creating a health and safety plan by identifying where and how workers might... read more
Access to Telemedicine Is Hardest for Those Who Need It Most
This article, published by Wired, reports that older patients and other vulnerable populations tend to need more medical care, but it is often difficult for them to get online for remote visits. Telemedicine took off in 2020, due to coronavirus, and the digital divide... read more
AAP Updates Guidance on Masks, Testing and PPE for Pediatric COVID-19 Care
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued an update to their guidance for children regarding cloth face coverings, testing protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE). As evidence has suggested that the use of cloth face coverings significantly reduces the... read more
The College of Optometrists: Primary Eyecare COVID-19 Guidance
Created by The College of Optometrists, this guidance document is designed to help eyecare providers continue to run their practice through the pandemic by adapting it to make it as safe as possible for staff and patients. The guidance includes insights on adapting... read more
CDC Relaxes COVID-19 Testing Guidelines for Asymptomatic People
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its COVID-19 testing guidance for asymptomatic individuals. The new guidance states that people who have come in close contact with an infected patient but remain asymptomatic “do not necessarily need a... read more
Workers and Customers are Catching COVID-19. Should Businesses Escape Blame?
This Los Angeles Times article takes a detailed look at personal stories from employees and customers from across the globe that have contracted COVID-19 and the corresponding fear businesses have of being blamed. The article states that Congress and statehouses are... read more
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. As these provisions will apply from the effective date through Dec.... read more
The Ultimate Scapegoat: COVID Inspired Lawsuits in California
As many individuals have anticipated, the pandemic has created new challenges in managing a workforce and introduced new litigation. Based on hotspots of COVID-19 litigation in California, this article addresses where employers should pay special attention to avoid... read more
State-by-State COVID-19 Guidance
Created by Husch Blackwell, this resource center offers information on how and when businesses across the country can reopen their workplaces as well as regular updates on evolving COVID-19 rules, restrictions, orders and guidance. The resource center provides an... read more
The Role of a Manager Has to Change in Five Key Ways
When thinking of the countless hours that team leaders, department heads and vice presidents devote to supervising the work of others, it seems as though the role and purpose of a “manager” hasn’t kept pace with what is needed in today’s business world. This article... read more
Without Compassion, Resilient Leaders Will Fall Short
Many leaders experience “contempt attacks,” a roil of emotions and an overpowering sense of exasperation that someone is wasting your time, undermining your efforts or holding back the team, at one time or another. During times of crisis, uncertainty and high stress,... read more
The CEO Moment: Leadership for a New Era
The pandemic has presented a major challenge for businesses and their CEOs that is unlike any other with changes ranging from the abrupt dislocation of how employees work, how customers behave, how supply chains function and what ultimately constitutes business... read more
Video: Ophthalmologist Discusses ‘Quarantine Myopia’
A video featuring Ella Faktorovich, MD, founder of Pacific Vision Institute in San Francisco, discussing a new phenomenon called “quarantine myopia” in children. “Quarantine myopia” was discovered following the quarantine of school-aged children, due to the COVID-19... read more
Researchers Report ‘Extremely Encouraging’ COVID-19 Vaccine Data
Two recently published studies reported encouraging data on two COVID-19 vaccine candidates, this article takes an in-depth look into both vaccines – one being developed at Oxford University and the other in Wuhan, China. The vaccine being developed at Oxford... read more
How Will the COVID-19 Pandemic End?
As the world reopens despite the remaining presence of COVID-19, many have questioned what the end of the pandemic could potentially look like. Examining that question, Infectious Disease News asked infectious disease experts for their opinions on how far away the... read more
Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Frequently Asked Questions
A frequently asked questions document created by the U.S. Department of Treasury that provides thorough, detailed answers to questions about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness process. The document includes information on payroll costs, nonpayroll costs, reductions and economic injury disaster loans (EIDL). The document also provides information on renewed leases and refinanced mortgage loans, how owner compensation is determined, calculating reductions and more.
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PPP Loan Forgiveness Rules Update
Review of Optometric Business provides an easy-to-follow chart summarizing the four-step Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness process. The article includes information on the recent rules update from the Small Business Administration (SBA) related to... read more
Back-to-School Marketing: Reaching Out to Families, Even In a Year Like This
With a completely unprecedented back-to-school year approaching, this article offers tips on reaching out to families to remind them of the importance of their child’s annual eye exam. Many things have been altered by the current pandemic, but it is vital to remind... read more
Reopening Report Card: Maintaining Safety, Efficiency & Profitability
As the pandemic has required practices to implement new safety procedures that can negatively impact efficiency and profitability, this article offers tips on how to keep patients and staff safe while maintaining a smooth patient flow and strong per-patient revenue.... read more
Telehealth a Popular Option for Eye Care During COVID-19 Pandemic
A discussion on telehealth in ophthalmology between Jai G. Parekh, MD, MBA, FAAO, and Mark Kontos, MD. The discussion presents both the positive and negative aspects of telehealth as well as the implications of rushing to embrace it during the pandemic. With differing... read more
Optometrists Shift to Digital Pharmacy Services During Pandemic
An article on how digital pharmacies offer efficacy and convenience as well as address concerns surrounding medication adherence and management. As many optometrists have begun using telemedicine at higher rates, they are also shifting to digital pharmacies because of... read more
Contact Lens Practice in the Time of COVID-19
An article detailing protocols for practices that specialize in contact lenses written by practice owner, Dr. Elise Kramer. The article discusses maintaining proper disinfection methods including introducing a cleaning log as well as protocols for multi-patient use... read more
Multidimensional Vision Market Indicators
An interactive, state-by-state report on vision market indicators including capture rate, optical share of total revenue, patient-paid share of eyeglasses, and insurance payments as a percent of daily collections. The report uses GPN point of sale data from 3,000... read more
COVID-19 and the Employee Experience: How Leaders Can Seize the Moment
An article on how employee demands have changed since the beginning phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a survey from McKinsey & Company, the article details three overarching insights into how employees are feeling and handling the pandemic alongside... read more
Employers Beware: Post-pandemic Litigation Traps
An article on how employers should prepare for a potential spike in employment claims arising out of new legislation, the application of existing laws to novel workplace circumstances, and a sudden downturn in the economy. The article includes a summary of the claims... read more
State Law Round-Up: COVID-19 State and Local Paid Sick Leave Law Developments
In light of the gaps in coverage or employee protections of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), state and local jurisdictions have taken steps to provide additional protections to employees. A number of jurisdictions with existing statutory... read more
Companies Should Learn Elon Musk’s ‘Chain of Command’ Rule
An article on Elon Musk’s approach to internal communication. Elon Musk told employees in 2018 that communication should travel via the shortest path necessary to get the job done as opposed to going through the “chain of command.” The reasoning behind Musk’s thinking... read more
Updated Forecast Shows E-Commerce Sales Climbing 18 Percent in 2020, But Overall Retail Dropping 10.5 Percent
An article on the revised forecast by eMarketer for the U.S. retail sector. The forecast predicts that there will be a 10.5 percent decline in U.S. retail sales this year with a 14.0 percent drop in brick-and-mortar sales. However, e-commerce is poised to grow 18.0... read more
Millions Left Uninsured Due to COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Unemployment
An article discussing the many people across the U.S. who have become uninsured after losing their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that 21.9 million workers in the U.S. lost their jobs and an estimated 5.4 million subsequently became uninsured.... read more
My Patient Caught Covid-19 Twice. So long to Herd Immunity Hopes?
An article detailing the experiences of a patient that was infected with COVID-19 twice and the current status of herd immunity. Limited research on recovered COVID-19 patients shows that not all patients develop antibodies after infection and some asymptomatic... read more
Criteria for Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance on making decisions about when healthcare personnel should return to work after a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19. Different strategies are outlined with clear instructions. Read the... read more
Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Work Restrictions for Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure to COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance on assessing risk and application of work restrictions for asymptomatic healthcare personnel (HCP) with potential exposure to patients, visitors, or other HCP with a confirmed case of COVID-19. The... read more
Marketing Materials for Download as Practices Reopen
The Vision Council created an array of marketing materials for practices to use when communicating with patients and vendors as they prepare to reopen their doors. The materials convey plans for reopening, detail safety procedures in place and identify whether or not... read more
How We Make Decisions During a Pandemic
An article on factors that can sway how individuals choose to behave during the pandemic. The article explains how our attachment to the status quo creates a bias of the here and now as well as how emotions can easily change moods and decisions. Additionally, the... read more
Practicing Remote Optometry: Opportunities for Telemedicine in Your Practice
A detailed article on how to seamlessly add telemedicine to your practice as well as tips on maintaining routine appointments. The article includes recommendations on treating patients with conjunctivitis through a telemedicine format as it can be a presenting symptom... read more
Retail Group Calls for Mandatory Masking in All States
A news update on the Retail Industry Leaders Association’s (RILA) request to mandate masks in every state. The article states that RILA sent letters to the leaders of the National Governor’s Association explaining that the disconnected local mandates make it extremely... read more
Three Ways the Pandemic Changed Practice Operations
An article that offers observations from practices across the country as they reopen and embrace the “new normal.” E-commerce is discussed in detail with tips on avoiding the common mistake of attempting to replicate in-practice experiences online. The article also... read more
Residence Changes and the COVID-19 Pandemic
An article detailing the results of a Pew Research Center survey regarding relocating during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article states that one-in-five U.S. adults, around 22 percent, either changed their place of residence or they personally know someone who did.... read more
More States Reverse or Slow Reopening Plans as Coronavirus Cases Climb
A news article on the recent slowing or reversing of reopening plans in states such as Washington, California, Florida and Texas. The article details how coronavirus cases have risen in more than 30 states across the United States. Charts outlining the new daily cases... read more
Summary of State Actions Addressing Business Reopenings
A chart from the National Governors Association indicating actions that states have taken to reopen certain business sectors. The chart provides links to executive orders, additional agency guidance and resources for businesses, the date of the last change to... read more
Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance on mitigating staff shortages. The guidance includes information on contingency capacity strategies and crisis capacity strategies with detailed steps as well as links to additional resources from the CDC.... read more
Local Health Department COVID-19 Directory
The National Association of County and City Health Official’s (NACCHO) document containing contact information for the best point of contact for COVID-19 inquiries. If your state or local authorities require or request health care providers report cases of COVID-19 in... read more
An Employee Has Caught COVID-19: What Do I Do?
An article on key steps to take if an employee in your practice tests positive for coronavirus. The article includes recommendations on what to do if the employee arrives sick or becomes sick during the course of the day as well as cleaning and closure procedures. A... read more
What To Do If a Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19
If a member of your staff tests positive for COVID-19, it is important to have a plan in place. Below are a few crucial steps to take, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Determine the risk Determining if an employee should quarantine... read more
Chain Store Guide: Coronavirus Impact
An update on chain store closures, hiring, manufacturing and new policies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article includes information on the plans from various chain stores including grocery, retail, and restaurant. Read the Article from Chain Store... read more
Developing Herd Immunity From COVID-19
An article on herd immunity and what it will take for the world’s population to acquire it. The article includes information on the estimated share of the population with COVID-19 antibodies as well as links to further results collected by The New York Times. Read the... read more
Dexamethasone and Ventilated Patients with COVID-19
An article on how low dose dexamethasone has been used as a treatment for COVID-19 patients. The article details the results of the clinical trial. Read the Article at Healio read more
Practice Cashflow Calculator – Interactive Tool
Use our customizable calculator to show cashflow in a scenario of reduced business, and the impact of managed cost reductions. Begin below by adding your basic financial information and estimating roughly what your annual decline in sales may be due to COVID-19. This... read more
How to Manage Anxiety About the Country Reopening
Various mind, body and spirit practices for managing anxiety about reopening. The article includes advice on identifying alternatives to your fears, getting quality sleep, letting go of tension, making peace with anxiety and more. Read the Article at... read more
Remdesivir and Moderate COVID-19
An article on how patients with moderate cases of COVID-19 have shown clinical improvement after taking remdesivir. The article outlines previous studies as well as recent information from Gilead and Reuters. Read the Article on Healio read more
Strength and Spirit: A First-Person Account of Rebuilding From a Shocking Night
A personal story from 10/10 Optics’ Co-founder Ruth Domber regarding the destruction and vandalism that took place at the 10/10 Optic store. The article details the steps 10/10 Optics took following the incident. Read the Story in Vision Monday read more
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form
Link to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application Form 3508EZ. Download the Form from Treasury.gov read more
What PPP Loan Borrowers Should Consider Regarding 8- or 24-Week Forgiveness Period
An article detailing the factors individuals should consider before choosing the 8- or 24-Week forgiveness period. The article includes information on the benefits of both options. Read the Article from Forbes read more
Why Female Leadership Is The Key To Retail Surviving The Pandemic
An article discussing the importance of female leadership. The article details the success of female leaders from countries such as New Zealand and Norway during the pandemic and draws connection to the retail industry. Read the Article from Forbes read more
Research: 3 Biases That Shaped CEOs’ Pandemic Response
Based on the considerable pressure placed on CEOs during the pandemic, this article breaks down the decision-making biases that were revealed by a survey of over 500 Chinese firms during February and March. The survey focused on background and firm characteristics,... read more
How COVID-19 Will Change Healthcare for the Better
A blog post discussing the changes that healthcare professionals will experience post-quarantine. The post includes insights on the use of telehealth, information on a suspected surge in healthcare appointments this summer and possible healthcare benefit demands... read more
COVID-19: What Are the Biggest Risks to Society in the Next 18 Months?
An article detailing the major risks that society could face in the next 18 months based on results from The Economic Forum’s survey of 347 senior risk analysts. The survey reveals how senior risk analysts rank impending threats most likely to contribute to a global... read more
Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker
A coronavirus vaccine tracker outlining the companies, including individual and collaborations, conducting trials on humans, cells, and animals. Background is provided on each company as well as information on whether the vaccine is genetic, viral vector,... read more
COVID-19 and the American Workplace
The Department of Labor’s guidance on how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, both part of the Families First Coronavirus... read more
Department of Labor: Coronavirus Resources
The Department of Labor’s resources to help employees and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus. The article includes links to information on workplace safety, wages and leave, unemployment insurance, foreign labor certification and more. Review the Resources from... read more
How to Help Your Business Achieve ADA Website Compliance in the COVID-19 Era
An article that explains what ADA website compliance means, why it matters, and steps you can take to make sure your business is accessible for all. The article includes step-by-step guidance for aligning your website and content with accessibility regulations. View... read more
Managing Employees’ Leave of Absence During the Coronavirus Pandemic
An article detailing examples of how businesses are managing employees’ leave of absence. The article includes information on handling quarantined or virus-exposed employees, the latest Statutory updates, and more. Read the Article from Reed Group read more
COVID-19: How to Handle Confidentiality of Medical Information Under ADA
Key takeaways from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) webinar on how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and still be compliant with federal employment nondiscrimination laws. The article includes six of the most common questions on handling... read more
State Plans for Reopening After the U.S. Shutdown
An article outlining state-by-state reopening plans and restrictions. The article includes interactive graphs indicating the reported COVID-19 cases in each state as well as lists of what businesses are open or closed. View the Article by Washington Post read more
Coronavirus: What You Need to Know
Information on the status of COVID-19 in the U.S. with links to the latest state-by-state efforts. Links are included to state-by-state summaries of public health criteria for reopening, state actions addressing business reopening, and state reopening plans and task... read more
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) official guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19. The document includes steps to reduce risk of exposure and information on jobs classified at low, medium, and high exposure risk. Download the Guide from... read more
Government Response to Coronavirus
USA.Gov’s compilation of coronavirus resources and government response information. The article includes links to top U.S government websites and federal agencies as well as links to information on scams and fraud, benefits and grants, federal building updates,... read more
The CDC’s Homepage for Coronavirus Resources
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) main webpage for coronavirus resources. The page includes links to key resources including guidance, data and surveillance, contact tracing and communication resources as well as the latest updates on testing,... read more
Businesses and Workplaces: Plan, Prepare and Respond
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) reopening guide for businesses and workplaces. The guidance includes information on communicating with stakeholders, deciding when to reopen, mitigation strategy, prevention methods and graphics for educating... read more
Discretion in Enforcement: Considering an Employer’s Good Faith Efforts During COVID-19 Pandemic
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) memorandum stating that employers should be taking action to determine whether employee COVID-19 illnesses are work-related and thus recordable. Given the nature of the disease and ubiquity of community... read more
Telemedicine: The Time for Optometry is Now
A webinar series and special report that provides information on utilizing telemedicine. The series and report also includes guidance on improving patient service, billing and coding, finding the right platform and adding a new revenue stream. View the Webinar Series... read more
Training Staff for the New Normal: Essential Points to Cover
Guidance for training staff on new safety protocols. The article presents information on creating new standard operating procedures, implementing experience from other compliance trainings, optician-specific training and more. Read the Article at Review of Optometric... read more
How to Calm Patients’ Nerves About COVID-19
An article detailing best practices for educating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article provides information on scheduling, in-office precautions, various sanitation products, exam lane changes, no-touch dispensing, bathroom access and more. Read the... read more
Q&A: Transmission of COVID-19 and What it Means for Ophthalmic Safety
A Q&A with Francis S. Mah, MD, regarding the recent study that reported the conjunctival epithelium may be an additional portal of infection for the COVID-19 virus. Information is provided for ophthalmologists on mode of transmission, COVID-19-positive patients... read more
The Technology & Other Strategies Facilitating My Reopening
An article discussing the important role of technology in the reopening process. The article offers a detailed look into priming a practice for reopening, creating videos for patients, enhancing patient portals as well as utilizing Zoom offerings and Google’s Business... read more
Scaling the Needs of Reopening to the Capabilities of a Small Practice
Reopening guidance for smaller-sized practices from optometrist and independent practice owner, Maria Sampalis. The article provides information on securing supplies on a budget, patient communication, speeding up patient flow and connecting to the community. Read the... read more
Reopening? Learn How to Help Your Employees Feel Safe Psychologically
An article outlining ways to ensure employees feel safe in the workplace. The article provides information on educating employees on new policies, staying current with various guidelines, having open conversations and providing training. Read the Article from... read more
Post-Pandemic Shopko Optical: Our Approach to Reopening
Insights from Kirk Lauterback, Chief Operating Officer at Shopko Optical, regarding rolling out safety initiatives and plans for reopening. The article includes information on implementing the proper guidelines, securing PPE, prioritizing safety and the patient... read more
Coronavirus Update: Elective Surgeries
An article highlighting how practices are approaching elective surgeries following the recent lift of restrictions. The article outlines how practices are adapting including reassuring patients of safety measures, meeting the guidelines from local and regional... read more
A Completely New, Universal Change of Consumer Patterns
An article discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the “Point of Market Entry” by creating an eighth entry point. The article details the importance of being open to the new business opportunities that accompany the change in behaviors and needs of consumers.... read more