Dr. Daniel Lachlan McGillivray – Ophthalmologist | Burlington, ON

Dr. Daniel Lachlan McGillivray 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 Burlington, ON, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As a seasoned 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 full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Calgary in Canada and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1993, accumulating over 31 years of specialized experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His certifications include comprehensive training in medical and surgical eye care, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of practice and safety.

Dr. McGillivray’s professional philosophy is centered around preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is committed to educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he provides precise and effective treatments, with an emphasis on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. He collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are conducted in English, with a dedicated focus on the individual needs of each patient in Burlington.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. McGillivray addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
• 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.

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

• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Incisional surgeries to create new drainage pathways for eye fluid, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices (shunts/valves).
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.

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

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. McGillivray's primary eye clinic is located at a specialized eye clinic in Burlington, conveniently situated near the Burlington Performing Arts Centre in the Headon Forest, Palmer neighborhood. The clinic is easily accessible via Burlington Transit and offers a professional, welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. The nearby Joseph Brant Hospital handles surgical procedures, ensuring high standards of safety and patient care. Parking is typically available near the clinic, with some accessible spots, and the facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients.

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

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

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. McGillivray 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. McGillivray's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McGillivray specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. McGillivray, is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes medical diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye diseases and disorders, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. A Ophthalmologist, 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. McGillivray treat glaucoma?

Dr. McGillivray 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McGillivray?

A visit to Dr. McGillivray 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 are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. McGillivray?

Dr. McGillivray 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, he 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Burlington
R R 5, 3497 Fairview Street
Burlington, ON L7N 2R4

Office Phone: (905) 681-3315 | Office Fax: (905) 681-6207

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

Verify Dr. McGillivray's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McGillivray-Daniel-Lachlan/0045763-59741