Dr. Brian Clark Leonard – Ophthalmologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Brian Clark Leonard is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at North Burlington Medical Centre in Ottawa, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in 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 comprehensive and personalized attention. As a seasoned 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 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 (Canada) and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1975, accumulating over 49 years of specialized experience. Dr. Leonard is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating his commitment to excellence and adherence to rigorous certification standards. His extensive training and ongoing professional development enable him to deliver the most current and effective treatments in ophthalmology.

Dr. Leonard’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 aims for precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases helps prevent vision loss, and he collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Fluent in French, he ensures clear communication with all patients, providing a welcoming and professional environment for comprehensive eye care.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• 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.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• 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.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.

Glaucoma Management

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.

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

• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): May improve corneal incisions, capsulotomy creation, and lens fragmentation.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Incisional surgeries to create new drainage pathways for eye fluid, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices (shunts/valves).

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

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. Leonard's primary eye clinic is located at North Burlington Medical Centre in Ottawa, ON. The clinic offers comprehensive eye care services in a modern, accessible, and welcoming environment. It is conveniently situated near Confederation Square and is easily accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. Patients can enjoy easy access to parking options typically available in close proximity to the facility. The clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with facilities that accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. For surgical procedures, Dr. Leonard often performs surgeries at Ottawa Hospital, located in Ottawa's Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods. This strategic location ensures that patients have seamless access to both outpatient and hospital-based eye care services, all delivered in a professional and patient-centered setting.

How does Dr. Leonard treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Leonard 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Leonard?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Leonard 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Leonard?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Leonard that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Leonard receives relevant medical history. For some urgent eye conditions or specific services, direct access might be possible, but it's always best to check with Dr. Leonard's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (613) 739-6645.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Leonard specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Leonard, 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. Leonard covered by provincial health insurance?

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

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Leonard 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.

North Burlington Medical Centre
501 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6

Office Phone: (613) 737-8574 | Office Fax: (613) 739-6645

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

Verify Dr. Leonard's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Leonard-Brian-Clark/0018765-23552