Dr. El-Karim Fatehali Jaffer Rhemtulla – Ophthalmologist | Thorold, ON

Dr. El-Karim Fatehali Jaffer Rhemtulla is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital in Thorold, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate care. Dr. Rhemtulla’s role encompasses a broad spectrum of ophthalmic services, from routine 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 Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine in the United Kingdom. With over 20 years of specialized experience since 2004, he has established himself as a highly skilled Ophthalmologist. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification enable him to offer expert diagnosis, treatment, and surgical care for a wide array of eye conditions, utilizing the latest advancements in ophthalmology.

Dr. Rhemtulla’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment plans. By utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he ensures precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss. Additionally, Dr. Rhemtulla collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. He is proficient in Gujarati, Hindi, Swahili, and Urdu, facilitating clear communication with patients from diverse backgrounds. He is committed to enhancing the quality of life for his patients through personalized and attentive eye care in Thorold.

Dr. El-Karim Rhemtulla provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• 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.
• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• 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.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.

Glaucoma Management

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

• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual increase in eye pressure and slow, painless loss of peripheral vision.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. El-Karim Rhemtulla is necessary.

• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): A quick and painless outpatient laser procedure to treat posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract) that can occur after cataract surgery.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.

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

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. Rhemtulla practices primarily at The Ottawa Hospital in Thorold, ON, within a dedicated eye clinic located in the Thorold neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near various medical facilities and optical services, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive eye care in one location. It is well-connected by local public transit routes and designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. The facility offers on-site or nearby public parking, ensuring convenient access for patients seeking routine eye exams, surgical procedures, or follow-up visits. The practice is committed to providing a professional, welcoming environment for all your eye care needs.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Rhemtulla?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Rhemtulla 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. Rhemtulla'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 (905) 684-4996.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Rhemtulla 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. Rhemtulla perform cataract surgery?

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

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Rhemtulla specialize in?

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

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Rhemtulla?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Rhemtulla 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.

How does Dr. Rhemtulla treat glaucoma?

Dr. Rhemtulla 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.

The Ottawa Hospital
3460 Schmon Parkway, Geriatric Assessment Unit
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Office Phone: (905) 684-8521 | Office Fax: (905) 684-4996

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

Verify Dr. Rhemtulla's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Rhemtulla-ElKarim-Fatehali-Jaffer/0158897-73467