Dr. Catherine Jane Eplett – Ophthalmologist | Don Mills, ON

Dr. Catherine Jane Eplett is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Thamesview Centre for Family Med in Don Mills, ON, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring every patient receives safe, effective, and compassionate care. Dr. Eplett's role encompasses a comprehensive approach to eye health, offering 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.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1992, bringing over 32 years of specialized experience. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her extensive training and expertise in ophthalmology. Throughout her career, she has continually updated her skills with the latest advancements in eye care, ensuring her patients benefit from state-of-the-art treatment options.

Dr. Eplett is dedicated to preserving and improving vision through compassionate, patient-centered care. She believes in educating her patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, her approach emphasizes early detection and management of eye conditions to prevent vision loss. She strives to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care and support the overall well-being of her patients. All communication and care are delivered in English, with a focus on clear, attentive, and respectful interactions to ensure patient comfort and understanding.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Eplett 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): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
• 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. Eplett addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Age-Related Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens that occurs as part of the aging process, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Eplett 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): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.

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

• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Access to immediate care to prevent long-term vision damage.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.

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

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. Eplett's primary eye clinic is situated at Thamesview Centre for Family Med in Don Mills, ON. The clinic is conveniently located within a well-equipped medical facility that offers easy access to a variety of medical services and optical providers. It is easily reachable via local public transit routes, with accessible entrances and ample parking options nearby. The clinic's environment is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional setting for comprehensive eye care. For surgical procedures, Dr. Eplett collaborates closely with Scarborough Health Network Hospital, located in the Don Mills neighborhood, which is equipped with advanced surgical facilities. The location's proximity to other medical facilities and optical services ensures seamless, coordinated care for her patients.

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

Dr. Eplett treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, she may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. 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. Eplett treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Eplett 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.

Does Dr. Eplett perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Eplett, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Eplett would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Eplett?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Eplett 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.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Eplett 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.

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

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

Thamesview Centre for Family Med
20 Wynford Drive
Don Mills, ON M3C 1J4

Office Phone: (416) 441-3580 | Office Fax: (416) 441-3280

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

Verify Dr. Eplett's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Eplett-Catherine-Jane/0040094-54070