Ophthamology

Offers free or subsidized non-clinical programs for people who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision, including peer support, technology training, employment, youth and recreation programs.

Self-referral; providers may share the national contact line to connect patients with Ontario programs.

Local ophthalmology and optometry collaborative practice with ophthalmologist Dr. Gaya Sivakumar and optometrist Dr. Cheryl Letheren.

Western Ontario's main hospital referral centre for medical and surgical eye disease, including retina, glaucoma, cornea, cataract, paediatric, neuro-ophthalmic and diagnostic services.

Provider referral is directed to the appropriate hospital ophthalmologist's office; include relevant eye examination, imaging and prior treatment information.

Coordinates regional hospital-based cataract surgery referrals and supports distribution of patients through the central intake pathway.

Use the current cataract central intake referral process and include visual acuity, functional impact and relevant ocular history.

Provides functional vision assessment, low-vision device recommendations and training to help patients use remaining sight for daily activities.

Provider referral to the Low Vision Clinic; best suited when vision cannot be adequately corrected with glasses, medication or surgery.

Provides hospital-based tests such as visual fields, OCT, ocular ultrasound, corneal topography, electrophysiology and other investigations supporting specialist eye care.

Referral requirements vary; some diagnostic services require referral by an ophthalmologist using the current requisition.

Provides specialist assessment for visual symptoms related to the optic nerve, brain, cranial nerves or other neurological disease.

Provider referral; include neurological history, eye findings, imaging and relevant laboratory results.

Provides emergency assessment and treatment for acute eye injuries and other urgent eye conditions in a dedicated hospital eye room.

No referral required for emergencies; patients with vision loss, chemical injury, penetrating trauma or other urgent symptoms should use emergency services.

Provides publicly funded inpatient and outpatient ophthalmic surgery at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital after assessment and booking by an ophthalmologist.

Medical referral to an ophthalmologist is required; the treating specialist arranges hospital surgery and pre-admission.

Provides publicly funded rehabilitation for people of all ages with vision loss, including low-vision therapy, orientation and mobility, daily-living skills and assistive technology support.

Self, family, community and health-professional referrals are accepted online or by fax.