Dr. Donald Ray Nixon is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario in Barrie, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As a comprehensive 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 eye clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services in a patient-friendly setting, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all patients.
Dr. Nixon graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1987, accumulating over 37 years of specialized experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to advancing his expertise and staying current with the latest developments in eye care and surgical techniques.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Nixon is committed to educating his patients about their eye health, involving them in treatment decisions, and utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. He emphasizes early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, with a focus on building trust and understanding.
Dr. Donald Nixon provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Nixon addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
- 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. Nixon addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Nixon addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
- 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. Donald Nixon is necessary.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
- 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: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Nixon.
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. Nixon's primary eye clinic is conveniently located in Barrie's Downtown Barrie, East Bayfield neighborhood, near the South Barrie GO Station. The clinic is easily accessible via Barrie Transit and offers accessible and comfortable facilities designed to serve patients of all ages. The practice is situated close to parking options, ensuring ease of access. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care. Surgical procedures, including cataract surgery, are often performed at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital, providing state-of-the-art surgical facilities in a modern setting. Whether for routine examinations or advanced surgical interventions, Dr. Nixon's practice in Barrie provides a trusted, patient-centered approach to eye health and vision care.
- How does Dr. Nixon treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Nixon 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Nixon specialize in?
- An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Nixon, 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 provides 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. Nixon covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Nixon 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. Nixon's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Does Dr. Nixon perform cataract surgery?
- Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Nixon, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Nixon would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Nixon and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Nixon, 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. Nixon?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Nixon 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Nixon?
- A visit to Dr. Nixon 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.
Children's Hospital of Western Ontario
190 Cundles Road East, Paediatric Department
Barrie, ON L4M 4S5
Office Phone: (705) 737-3737
Dr. Nixon 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. Nixon, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Nixon's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Nixon-Donald-Ray/0038916-52892