About
Dr. Francine Guay is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Les Yeuxtistes in Lévis, QC, she is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that every patient receives care that is both safe and effective. As a comprehensive ophthalmologist, she offers a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. Her clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, in a patient-friendly setting, designed to foster comfort and confidence in every visit.
Dr. Guay holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as a specialized Ophthalmologist since 1983, accumulating over 41 years of experience. She has completed rigorous postgraduate training in ophthalmology and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including being licensed by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) with license number 79071. Her expertise is complemented by continuous professional development and adherence to the latest clinical guidelines and technological advancements in ophthalmology.
Her professional philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Guay is committed to educating her patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment plans. She utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments, with a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Her approach emphasizes collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive well-being, and she provides consultations and treatments in French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for her patients in Lévis.
Dr. Francine Guay provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Guay 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.
- Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Guay addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Guay addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Francine Guay is necessary.
- 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): Restores clear vision by creating an opening in the clouded lens capsule.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Includes toric IOLs for astigmatism correction and multifocal/EDOF IOLs for a range of vision.
- Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Guay.
All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.
Dr. Guay's primary eye clinic, Les Yeuxtistes, is located in Lévis's Lévis Centre, Lauzon neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Historic Old Lévis and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care and patient well-being.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Guay and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Guay is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school followed by residency training in ophthalmology. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Optometrists (OD) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and managing certain eye abnormalities and diseases (scope varies by province/territory). They typically do not perform invasive surgery.
- How does Dr. Guay treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Guay 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.
- Are services from Dr. Guay covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Guay, 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, Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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. Guay's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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. Guay's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Guay?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Guay 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Guay?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Guay that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. Guay receives relevant medical history. For some urgent eye conditions or specific services, direct access might be possible, but it's always best to check with Dr. Guay's office regarding their referral policy. Please have your doctor's office or optometrist contact Dr. Guay's clinic for referral instructions.
Les Yeuxtistes
150-1655 Boul Alphonse Desjardins
Lévis, QC G6V 0B7
Office Phone: (418) 833-1322
Dr. Guay is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Guay, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Guay's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=79071