We have updated our Birchmount Hospital phone lines. When you call through the main line (416-495-2400), you will need to add “7” when dialing an extension.

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology at SHN

Our Ophthalmology services at Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is structured to meet the eye-care needs of the population through both medical and surgical intervention.

The ophthalmologists provide expertise in both office-based consultations and hospital-based care in the form of consultations through the Emergency Department and eye surgical procedures. At our Birchmount Hospital, a Cataract Centre has been established to provide advanced techniques in a patient-centred environment. The centre is home to a dedicated team of surgeons and operating room staff, and is recognized by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as one of the top 20 most efficient eye centres.

Advanced cataract surgery is performed using the technique of phacoemulsification (where the surgeon removes the cataract through an even smaller incision than the one used in conventional surgery) without the need for injections or sutures. In addition to standard intraocular lens implants, patients may elect to have a premium implant to enhance the quality of vision (i.e. an aspheric implant), to reduce astigmatism (i.e. a toric implant), or to provide both distance and reading vision to decrease the need for glasses (i.e. a multifocal or accommodating implant). The best time to review these implant options is during an in-office consultation with the ophthalmic surgeon.

The ophthalmologists at SHN have diverse interests and accomplishments. In addition to serving the community, some of the surgeons regularly travel to underdeveloped countries to perform needed surgical procedures, some hold faculty positions at the University of Toronto and have been involved in teaching, writing scientific papers, and giving presentations at major international meetings.

  • Outpatient cataract surgery using the advanced techniques
  • Outpatient glaucoma surgery when combined with cataract surgery
  • Inpatient newborn examinations to detect retinopathy of prematurity or Terry Disease, which is a disease that can affect prematurely born babies
  • 24-hour emergency coverage through both hospital Emergency Departments
  • Office-based consultation for a wide range of ophthalmological conditions

Outpatient Cataract Surgery

Thank you for choosing SHN for your cataract surgery. We understand how important it is for you to have all the information you need so that you can be at ease throughout your surgical journey.
At SHN, we are finding new ways to support you virtually with online education and resources that you can access right at home. This page will help you to achieve the best post-operative outcomes from your ophthalmology surgery.

Cataract Discharge Instructions

Learn what to expect following your procedure. The cataract discharge instructions is available in the following languages: