EYE CENTRE

Our eyes provide us with the wonderful view of the world. Using sophisticated technology, the latest in diagnostic techniques and comprehensive and sub-specialist ophthalmologists, the Eye-Care Centre works to maintain the health of the eye, and to diagnose and treat ocular disorders at the earliest possible opportunity.

We provide comprehensive medical, surgical and emergency eye-care services to the customers. The Department of Ophthalmology is an Academic Health Science Centre with two world-class divisions: the Eye-Care Centre and the Medical University of St. Petersburg Eye Institute.

The comprehensive team deals with a wide variety of ocular problems ranging from infections of the external eye to very serious diseases that can affect ocular structures. Because of the diversity of ocular problems, ophthalmologists work with other sub-specialists to solve complex problems. This team approach helps ensure that Eye-Care Centre patients receive the most effective and advanced treatment for any eye disease.

Clinical Services include:

- External Disease and Cornea
- Glaucoma
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Oculoplastics
- Pediatric ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Retina and Vitreous
- Sight Enhancement
- Uveitis

Eye-Care Centre Receptionists

All patients coming to the Eye-Care Centre are greeted by our team of bilingual receptionists. The team is well-known for its friendly and efficient front-lines services and sensitivity to the many issues of dealing with an aging population.

Ophthalmic Nurses

Many aspects of the Eye-Care Centre’s continuing care philosophy are carried out by highly skilled baccalaureate prepared nurses, several of whom are also Certified Ophthalmic Assistants. In addition to assisting ophthalmologists in examinations and treatment procedures, the nursing staff are heavily involved in patient education initiatives and they play a major role aiding patients pre- and post-operatively.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

As technologies associated with eye care become increasingly more complex, the role of the ophthalmic medical technologist becomes essential. The ability of the technologist to perform diagnostic tasks and operate specialized equipment allows the ophthalmologist to focus his/her attention directly on patient care.

Research

The latest and most exciting research areas include developing artificial cornea, learning more about the genes that control regeneration in the newt and those that control and prevent retinal cell death, and evaluating new technologies. The recent discovery of the gene for Wagner’s disease, a rare hereditary condition that can lead to blindness, means that preventative measures can now be taken to help protect future generations against this disease. This discovery was accomplished due to the collaborative efforts of both clinicians and basic researchers.

New developments have been made in the creation of an artificial cornea for transplantation, which potentially can provide visually impaired or blind individuals with useful vision. Also, cell-regeneration studies are underway to discover methods of preventing or repairing ocular damage that results in loss of vision, from such diseases as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes.

Since its opening, the Eye-Care Centre has embraced the development of new state-of-the art technology as a primary goal. As a result of these studies, the Ottawa community has been able to receive the latest diagnostic tests and newest therapies for ocular inflammation and lasers for glaucoma, macular degeneration and corrective eye surgery.

Part of the success of the research effort at the Eye-Care Centre lies in its collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving. Through collaboration, scientists and clinicians have developed successful research programs in a number of areas, including refractive surgery, tissue engineering, biomedical instrumentation, and ocular genetics. Few eye-care facilities around the world have been able to achieve the same level of cooperation and interaction.