Optometry clinic adopts new policy Published Sept. 18, 2013 By Steve Pivnick 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron optometry clinic has revamped its "acute/emergency red-eye problem" policy to better serve the Keesler community. Master Sgt. Jeremy Jackson, clinic NCO-in-charge, said the clinic will schedule appointments for these issues. "Under the previous policy, acute patients could walk in for care between 7-9 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. That occasionally led to bottlenecks when the patient-to-provider ratio became too skewed. When that happened, patients had to wait longer to see a provider." Jackson explained, "We have now built acute slots into our templates spaced throughout the day. This allows a patient with an acute 'red eye' or eye pain to call ahead and get a confirmed appointment within 24 hours. Walk-ins may still be seen on a case-by-case basis as determined by the provider on duty. Acute appointments are only to be used for acute conditions. Patients who require routine care will be asked to call the central appointment line." He added, "We will continue to see walk-ins for occupational screenings, driver's license screenings, certain color vision tests and military spectacle adjustment and ordering." For acute care appointments, call the clinic during duty hours, 228-376-0449. For all other appointments, call the central appointment line, 1-800-700-5303. The optometry clinic is located on Keesler Medical Center's ground floor in Room GE-300. Hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. training Fridays. The clinic is closed holidays and non-training Fridays.