What is the difference between an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, and a retina specialist?
An optometrist has typically completed a four year college degree, followed by a four years of optometry school. An optometrist provides primary eye care including performing eye exams and vision tests, prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, detecting certain eye abnormalities, and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases. Usually no referral is required to be seen by an optometrist.
An ophthalmologist has typically completed a four year college degree, followed by four years of medical school, and five additional years of medical and surgical training in residency. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats eye diseases and performs eye surgery. Patients normally require a referral to be seen by an ophthalmologist.
A retinal specialist is an ophthalmologist that has undergone further training through a fellowship (usually 1-2 years) to subspecialize in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases.
What happens after my referral is received?
Once your referral is received, the referring office will receive confirmation of the receipt of referral. The referral is then triaged and an appointment time and date is assigned based on urgency and availability. The referring office will receive a copy of the appointment date and time and the patient will be contacted directly by phone to confirm their appointment.
What costs may be associated with my visit?
For patients with a valid OHIP card/BlueCross/refugee documentation, there is no cost for consultation, follow ups, or basic imaging to the patient.
Patients without a valid OHIP card/BlueCross/refugee documentation will be required to pay for all components of the examination with the doctor directly. Patients with separate private insurance such as UHIP or travel insurance may submit the receipt for reimbursement with their respective insurance.
Additional possible fees:
- Parking fee is 2$
- Medication cost of anti-VEGF/other medications not covered by Ontario Drug Benefit or private insurance
- Completion of medical forms such as disability forms, doctor’s notes, insurance forms etc. will be charged a fee depending on the complexity and duration required
- Laser measurements of the eye/biometry to determine what power of lens is required for the eye for cataract surgery
- Patients requiring specialty lenses not carried by hospital for surgeries involving secondary intraocular lens implantation will receive a bill from the hospital for the cost of the lens
What are the risks of retinal surgery?
Retina surgery is overall a relatively safe surgery, however, as with all surgeries, risk of complications exists. The likelihood of a serious complication that results in uncorrectable vision loss to occur is likely <1%. One expected side effect of retina surgery in patients who have not had cataract surgery is the accelerated development of cataract in the operated eye