Dr. David Jose Mathew – Ophthalmologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. David Jose Mathew is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton in Toronto, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As a comprehensive eye care specialist, Dr. Mathew 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 Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (India) and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist with over 3 years of specialized experience since 2021. He is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His training and certifications ensure that he is well-equipped to deliver high-quality eye care using the latest medical advancements.

Dr. Mathew’s professional philosophy is centered on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he provides precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss, and he collaborates with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient well-being. Additionally, he is proficient in Malayalam, ensuring clear communication with all patients in Toronto.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.

Glaucoma Management

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

• 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): 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.

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

• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.

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

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. Mathew's primary eye clinic is located at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, situated conveniently in Toronto's vibrant community. The practice is primarily based at the Kensington Eye Institute in Toronto's Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Grange Park neighborhoods. The location offers easy access via TTC including subway, streetcar, and bus routes, and is close to Toronto's Financial District. The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with parking typically available nearby, including some accessible spots. The environment is professional, welcoming, and equipped to provide comprehensive eye care in a patient-friendly setting.

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

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

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

Dr. Mathew 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.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Mathew?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Mathew 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. Mathew'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 (416) 603-5682.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Mathew?

A visit to Dr. Mathew 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.

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
399 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M5T 2S8

Office Phone: (416) 603-5800 | Office Fax: (416) 603-5682

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

Verify Dr. Mathew's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Mathew-David-Jose/0316968-113167