Dr. Brian John Chan – Ophthalmologist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Brian John Chan is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Kingston General Hospital in Hamilton, 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). As a comprehensive 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 patient-friendly environment designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, ensuring thorough and compassionate care.

He received his medical degree from McMaster University in Canada and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2017, bringing over 7 years of specialized experience. Dr. Chan is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certifications enable him to deliver expert diagnosis and treatment for various eye conditions, utilizing the latest techniques and technologies in ophthalmology.

Dr. Chan’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes patient education, ensuring individuals are well-informed about their eye health and involved in their treatment plans. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he focuses on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. He collaborates with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient care and is proficient in Cantonese, facilitating clear communication with a diverse patient population in Hamilton. His dedication is rooted in a commitment to maintaining optimal eye health and improving quality of life for his patients.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Chan addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.

• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

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

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Chan addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• 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.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.

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

• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• 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. Chan.

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. Chan’s primary eye clinic is located at Kingston General Hospital in Hamilton, ON, providing comprehensive eye care in a state-of-the-art facility. Surgical procedures, including cataract and complex eye surgeries, are often performed at Hamilton Health Sciences Centre McMaster Children's Hospital, situated in Hamilton’s East End neighborhood (Normanhurst, McQuesten). The practice is conveniently accessible from Hamilton’s vibrant downtown area, near the HMCS Haida National Historic Site. The clinic is easily reachable via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) buses, with accessible entrances and a welcoming atmosphere. Patients will find ample parking options in close proximity to the clinic. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional environment for comprehensive eye care.

Does Dr. Chan perform cataract surgery?

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Chan?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Chan 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. Chan'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 (289) 860-2211.

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

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

How does Dr. Chan treat glaucoma?

Dr. Chan manages glaucoma with the goal of lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy (like SLT or LPI), or surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). The specific approach depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Chan 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Chan specialize in?

Dr. Chan 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.

Kingston General Hospital
1149 Barton Street East
Hamilton, ON L8H 2V2

Office Phone: (289) 860-2200 | Office Fax: (289) 860-2211

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

Verify Dr. Chan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chan-Brian-John/0280762-98360