About
Dr. François Blanchette is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Clinique d'Ophtalmologie de Lévis in Lévis, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards established by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring comprehensive and safe treatment for all patients. As a skilled 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 holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1990, accumulating over 34 years of specialized experience. He has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Ophthalmologist in QC. His certifications include comprehensive ophthalmic training and adherence to provincial licensing standards, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Blanchette’s professional philosophy centers 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 is on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent potential vision loss, and he collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. Dr. Blanchette is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the eye health of residents in Lévis, providing consultations and treatments in French to ensure clear communication and personalized care.
Dr. François Blanchette provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Blanchette addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
- Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Blanchette addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
- 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.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Blanchette addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
- 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.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. François Blanchette is necessary.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Surgical removal of cataracts (phacoemulsification) with implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs).
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Evaluation and treatment plans for a wide range of eye problems including dry eyes, conjunctivitis, styes, and foreign body removal.
- 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. Blanchette.
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. Blanchette practices at the Clinique d'Ophtalmologie de Lévis, situated in the Lévis Centre neighborhood of Lévis, QC. The clinic is conveniently located near the Traverse Québec-Lévis (Ferry Terminal), making it easily accessible for residents in the region. Patients can reach the clinic via the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis) bus system, and parking options are usually available in proximity to the facility. The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. The clinic’s central location and amenities ensure that patients receive top-quality ophthalmological services in a professional setting.
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Blanchette and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Blanchette 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Blanchette?
- A visit to Dr. Blanchette 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Blanchette?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Blanchette for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Blanchette'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 (418) 838-5151.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Blanchette?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Blanchette 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.
- Are services from Dr. Blanchette covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Blanchette for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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 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. Blanchette's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Blanchette specialize in?
- Dr. Blanchette 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.
Clinique d'Ophtalmologie de Lévis
300-4975 boul Guillaume Couture
Lévis, QC G6V 4Z5
Office Phone: (418) 838-8080 | Office Fax: (418) 838-5151
Dr. Blanchette 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. Blanchette, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Blanchette's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=87170