Dr. Chryssa Nuala Gabriella McAlister – Ophthalmologist | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Chryssa Nuala Gabriella McAlister 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 Kitchener in Kitchener, ON, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and quality care. Her focus is on comprehensive 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 practice provides a patient-friendly environment designed to be accessible, comfortable, and welcoming for all.

Dr. McAlister graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada. She has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 2013, accumulating over 11 years of specialized experience. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and ongoing professional development enable her to deliver the latest in eye care technology and treatments, ensuring her patients receive the most effective and personalized care possible.

Her professional philosophy centers around preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. She emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Dr. McAlister utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, she aims to prevent vision loss and optimize visual outcomes. She believes in collaborative care, working closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Additionally, she is proficient in French, which allows her to communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse patient population in Kitchener.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. McAlister addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
• 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): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. McAlister addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acut or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.

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

• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Evaluation and treatment plans for a wide range of eye problems including dry eyes, conjunctivitis, styes, and foreign body removal.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.

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

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. McAlister’s primary practice is located at a specialized eye clinic in Kitchener, ON, situated near the Laurentian Power Centre. The clinic is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) bus and ION Light Rail, with convenient parking options nearby. The clinic, located in the Forest Heights, Forest Hill neighborhood, offers a welcoming and accessible environment designed to provide comprehensive eye care. Surgical procedures, including cataract surgeries, are often performed at the Grand River Hospital Corporation, which is equipped with advanced facilities to support safe and effective eye surgeries. The practice is committed to providing a professional, patient-centered experience, ensuring that all individuals receive the highest quality of care in a comfortable setting.

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

Dr. McAlister 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.

Does Dr. McAlister perform cataract surgery?

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

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

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

How does Dr. McAlister treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. McAlister 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.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. McAlister, 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McAlister?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McAlister 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McAlister specialize in?

Dr. McAlister 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 Kitchener
564 Belmont Avenue West
Kitchener, ON N2M 5N6

Office Phone: (519) 579-7000 | Office Fax: (888) 465-6912

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

Verify Dr. McAlister's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McAlister-Chryssa-Nuala-Gabriella/0242126-87265