About
Dr. Brian John Mitchell is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at University Health Network in Sault Ste. Marie, 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 patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate treatment. 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 for comfort and accessibility, equipped to handle a wide range of eye health needs in a professional setting.
Dr. Mitchell graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist for over 32 years, since 1992, accumulating extensive experience in the field. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his advanced training and commitment to excellence in eye care. His certifications include ongoing education in the latest ophthalmic techniques and technologies, ensuring he remains at the forefront of his specialty.
With a deep commitment to preserving and improving vision, Dr. Mitchell emphasizes compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He believes in educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in all treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he provides precise and effective treatments tailored to each individual. His approach focuses on early detection and proactive management of eye diseases to prevent long-term vision loss. Dedicated to the well-being of his patients in Sault Ste. Marie, he offers all communication and care exclusively in English, fostering clear understanding and trust.
Dr. Brian Mitchell provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Mitchell addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Mitchell addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Mitchell addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).
- 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: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Brian Mitchell is necessary.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Mitchell.
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. Mitchell's primary eye clinic is located at the University Health Network in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. The clinic is situated in a modern, accessible facility close to the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients can easily access the clinic via Sault Ste. Marie Transit, with convenient parking options usually available nearby. The eye care center is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional setting for routine exams, advanced diagnostics, and surgical procedures. For surgical interventions or specialized treatments, Dr. Mitchell often performs procedures at Sault Area Hospital, located in the West End, Steelton neighborhood, ensuring high-quality surgical care in a well-equipped hospital environment.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Mitchell?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Mitchell 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. Mitchell'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 (705) 541-2306.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Mitchell and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Mitchell 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.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Mitchell specialize in?
- Dr. Mitchell 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, he addresses a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Mitchell?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Mitchell 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.
- How does Dr. Mitchell treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Mitchell 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.
- Does Dr. Mitchell perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Mitchell. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Mitchell can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- Are services from Dr. Mitchell covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Mitchell 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. Mitchell's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
University Health Network
240 McNabb Street, Toronto Western Hospital Site
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 1Y5
Office Phone: (705) 759-1234 | Office Fax: (705) 541-2306
Dr. Mitchell 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. Mitchell, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Mitchell's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Mitchell-Brian-John/0045953-59931