Dr. Aftab Zafar – Ophthalmologist | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Aftab Zafar is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at a specialized eye clinic in Kitchener, ON, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care within the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that each patient receives safe, effective, and personalized treatment. As an experienced Ophthalmologist, Dr. Zafar offers 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 in a patient-friendly, welcoming environment, focusing on preserving and improving each patient’s vision.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa (Canada) and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2004, accumulating over 20 years of specialized experience. Dr. Zafar is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certifications underscore his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ophthalmic care and staying current with advances in eye health and surgical techniques.

Dr. Zafar’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he provides precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. He collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care. All communication and care are provided in English, with a dedicated focus on the overall well-being and long-term eye health of his patients in Kitchener.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Evaluation of individuals interested in surgical procedures to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Zafar addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.

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

• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Evaluation and treatment plans for a wide range of eye problems including dry eyes, conjunctivitis, styes, and foreign body removal.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.

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

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. Zafar's primary eye clinic is situated at a specialized eye clinic in Kitchener, ON, within a modern facility designed for patient comfort and accessibility. The clinic is conveniently located near Highland Hills Mall, which has been mostly redeveloped, making it easy to find and accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) Bus and ION Light Rail services. The practice is situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Pioneer Park, Doon South, offering on-site or nearby public parking for patients. The clinic environment is welcoming and equipped with the latest technology to ensure comprehensive and compassionate eye care for all patients. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for everyone seeking expert ophthalmic services in the region.

Does Dr. Zafar perform cataract surgery?

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Zafar specialize in?

Dr. Zafar is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. He provides complete eye exams, diagnoses conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases, and can perform complex eye surgeries. Providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Zafar?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Zafar 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. Zafar'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 (519) 954-5339.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Zafar?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Zafar for comprehensive eye examinations, especially if you have a family history of eye disease, are over 40, or have medical conditions like diabetes that can affect your eyes. Also, seek consultation for any sudden vision changes, eye pain, injury, persistent redness, or if referred by your family doctor or optometrist for a specific eye condition.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Zafar for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This includes treatments for diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Routine eye check-ups for vision testing (refraction) may not be covered for all age groups unless there's an underlying medical reason. Elective cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by provincial health insurance. 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. Zafar's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

a specialized eye clinic in Kitchener
Suite 406, 148 Manitou Drive
Kitchener, ON N2C 1L3

Office Phone: (519) 954-5900 | Office Fax: (519) 954-5339

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

Verify Dr. Zafar's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Zafar-Aftab/0139265-71241