Dr. Christine Mary Erlich – Ophthalmologist | Don Mills, ON

Dr. Christine Mary Erlich 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 Don Mills in Don Mills, ON, she is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that each patient receives safe, effective, and compassionate treatment. Dr. Erlich 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 meet the diverse needs of the community, with access to cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, all delivered in a welcoming and professional setting.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada, and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist for over 34 years, since 1990. Her extensive experience is complemented by her recognition as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence, continually updating her skills and knowledge through ongoing education and participation in professional societies.

Dr. Erlich's professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing her patients’ vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She believes in educating her patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions, utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. Her focus on early detection and proactive management of eye conditions aims to prevent vision loss and improve quality of life. She is committed to collaborative care, working closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Additionally, she is proficient in Polish, which helps her communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse patient population in Don Mills.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
• 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): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

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

• 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.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Managed with eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgical procedures (e.g., trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices).

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

• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.

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

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. Erlich's primary practice is located at a specialized eye clinic situated in Don Mills, ON. The clinic is conveniently positioned within the Don Mills neighborhood, close to various medical facilities and optical services, making it an accessible choice for comprehensive eye care. Patients can easily reach the clinic via local public transit routes, and the facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all visitors. The clinic offers a welcoming environment with modern amenities, ensuring a professional setting for routine eye exams, diagnostics, and surgical procedures. Ample parking options are usually available in proximity to the eye care center, providing added convenience for patients seeking expert ophthalmological services in Don Mills.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Erlich 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.

Does Dr. Erlich perform cataract surgery?

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

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Erlich?

A visit to Dr. Erlich is recommended for routine eye health check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors for eye diseases. Immediate attention is needed for symptoms such as sudden loss or blurring of vision, flashes of light, an increase in floaters, eye pain, or discharge. Your primary care physician or optometrist may also refer you for specialized medical or surgical eye care.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Erlich, is a physician and surgeon specializing in eye care, able to provide the full spectrum of medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who conduct eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and can diagnose and manage many eye conditions with medications or refer to an ophthalmologist for more complex issues or surgery. Both play vital roles in eye health.

How does Dr. Erlich treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Erlich 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.

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

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Erlich specialize in?

Dr. Erlich is an Ophthalmologist, a physician with extensive training in all aspects of eye health. She 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Don Mills
20 Wynford Drive
Don Mills, ON M3C 1J4

Office Phone: (416) 445-1206 | Office Fax: (416) 445-1235

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

Verify Dr. Erlich's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Erlich-Christine-Mary/0041479-55455