Dr. Aaron Wolfe Rifkind – Ophthalmologist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Aaron Wolfe Rifkind is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Winchester District Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice is aligned with the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every patient receives safe and effective treatment. Dr. Rifkind offers comprehensive eye care services within a patient-friendly environment, emphasizing thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1976, bringing over 48 years of specialized experience to his practice. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his extensive training and commitment to excellence in eye care. His certifications include the completion of rigorous postgraduate training in ophthalmology, ensuring he stays current with the latest advancements and techniques.

Dr. Rifkind's professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health, involving them actively in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he provides precise and effective treatments aimed at early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. His approach emphasizes collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are delivered in English, with a focus on maintaining a reassuring and professional environment for every patient.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Rifkind addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Rifkind addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): A type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) rise in eye pressure.

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

• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.

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

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. Rifkind primarily practices within Winchester District Memorial Hospital, situated in Hamilton's Hamilton East Central (Crown Point, Stipley) neighbourhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Dundas, accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), and features easy access to parking facilities for patients. The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients can expect professional service in a modern setting, with on-site or nearby parking generally available for convenience.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Rifkind?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Rifkind 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. Rifkind's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (905) 548-0770.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Rifkind specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Rifkind, is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes medical diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye diseases and disorders, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Dr. Rifkind provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Rifkind, 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. Rifkind's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Rifkind manages numerous eye problems. These frequently include prescribing glasses/contacts, performing cataract surgery, treating glaucoma with medications or lasers, managing retinal issues like macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, and addressing infections or inflammations of the eye. 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. Rifkind and an Optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Rifkind is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school followed by residency training in ophthalmology. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Optometrists (OD) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and managing certain eye abnormalities and diseases (scope varies by province/territory). They typically do not perform invasive surgery.

Does Dr. Rifkind perform cataract surgery?

Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Rifkind. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Rifkind can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.

How does Dr. Rifkind treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Rifkind will develop a personalized treatment plan which can involve daily eye drop medications to reduce eye pressure, in-office laser treatments to improve fluid drainage, or surgical interventions if medications and lasers are insufficient to control the pressure and protect your vision.

Winchester District Memorial Hospital
826 Main Street East
Hamilton, ON L8M 1L6

Office Phone: (905) 549-6123 | Office Fax: (905) 548-0770

Dr. Rifkind 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. Rifkind, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Verify Dr. Rifkind's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Rifkind-Aaron-Wolfe/0021397-26185