About
Dr. Avi Wallerstein 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 Toronto, 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 quality and safety in every aspect of patient care. As a proficient Ophthalmologist, he 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 welcoming and professional environment designed to meet the needs of each patient with compassion and expertise.
Dr. Wallerstein graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1997, accumulating over 27 years of specialized experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his comprehensive training and dedication to ophthalmic medicine. His certifications affirm his expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye conditions with precision and care.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Wallerstein emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. Focused on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. Committed to collaborative care, he works closely with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic eye health management. Additionally, he is proficient in French, facilitating clear communication with a diverse patient population in Toronto.
Dr. Avi Wallerstein provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Wallerstein addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
- Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Wallerstein addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
- 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.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Wallerstein addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
- 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.
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Avi Wallerstein is necessary.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Wallerstein.
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. Wallerstein practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Toronto's First Canadian Place, Underground City (Financial District). The clinic is conveniently situated near Port Lands, easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots to accommodate all patients' needs.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wallerstein and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wallerstein 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Wallerstein?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Wallerstein 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. Wallerstein'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 (416) 646-0270.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Wallerstein?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Wallerstein 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.
- How does Dr. Wallerstein treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Wallerstein 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.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wallerstein specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Wallerstein, 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. A Ophthalmologist, providing 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. Wallerstein covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Wallerstein 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. Wallerstein's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
a specialized eye clinic in Toronto
Suite 300-1, 100 King Street West
Toronto, ON M5X 2A1
Office Phone: (416) 646-0266 | Office Fax: (416) 646-0270
Dr. Wallerstein 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. Wallerstein, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Wallerstein's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Wallerstein-Avi/0052161-66140