Dr. Steven Matthew Gilberg – Ophthalmologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Steven Matthew Gilberg is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Pembroke Regional Hospital in Ottawa, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Dr. Gilberg adheres to the high standards set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His role encompasses a comprehensive approach to eye health, offering a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist for over 35 years, since 1989. Throughout his career, he has maintained a focus on excellence in eye care. Dr. Gilberg is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating his commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to rigorous standards of practice.

Dr. Gilberg’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he ensures precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss, while his collaborative approach with other healthcare professionals promotes comprehensive patient well-being. He is also proficient in French, ensuring clear communication with all patients in Ottawa and surrounding communities.

Dr. Steven Gilberg provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Gilberg addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Gilberg addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens that occurs as part of the aging process, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Malposition of an implanted artificial lens or the eye's natural lens, often due to trauma or zonular weakness.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Gilberg addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual increase in eye pressure and slow, painless loss of peripheral vision.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Steven Gilberg is necessary.

• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Gilberg.

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Gilberg’s primary practice is based at Pembroke Regional Hospital, located in Ottawa, ON. The clinic is situated in a central area accessible via Ottawa City Hall and well connected through OC Transpo services, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. The clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients can typically find parking nearby, with some accessible spots available. For surgical procedures, Dr. Gilberg often collaborates with the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, located in Ottawa's Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods, ensuring specialized care for complex cases. The facility's proximity to major transit routes and public transportation makes it convenient for patients from across Ottawa and surrounding regions.

Does Dr. Gilberg perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Gilberg, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Gilberg would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

Are services from Dr. Gilberg covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gilberg, such as the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy) and medically indicated surgeries (e.g., cataract surgery), are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). However, routine eye exams for adults of certain age groups without specific medical conditions, and procedures considered cosmetic (like elective refractive surgery or some eyelid procedures) are typically not covered. It's advisable to confirm coverage details with Dr. Gilberg's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Routine eye exams for glasses/contacts for adults (usually ages 19-64) may not be covered unless a specific medical condition affecting the eyes is present. Elective procedures such as cosmetic eyelid surgery or refractive laser surgery (LASIK/PRK) are generally not covered. It is recommended to verify coverage specifics with Dr. Gilberg's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Gilberg?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Gilberg for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Gilberg's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Gilberg's clinic for referral instructions.

What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Gilberg?

Dr. Gilberg treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, he may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gilberg and an Optometrist?

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Gilberg, is a physician and surgeon specializing in eye care, able to provide the full spectrum of medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who conduct eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and can diagnose and manage many eye conditions with medications or refer to an ophthalmologist for more complex issues or surgery. Both play vital roles in eye health.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gilberg?

A visit to Dr. Gilberg is recommended for routine eye health check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors for eye diseases. Immediate attention is needed for symptoms such as sudden loss or blurring of vision, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, eye pain, or discharge. Your primary care physician or optometrist may also refer you for specialized medical or surgical eye care.

Pembroke Regional Hospital
501 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6

Office Phone: (613) 737-8834

Dr. Gilberg is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Gilberg, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Verify Dr. Gilberg's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gilberg-Steven-Matthew/0039979-53955