Dr. Hector McDonald – Ophthalmologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Hector McDonald is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at a specialized eye clinic in Ottawa in Ottawa, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring comprehensive and ethical care. Dr. McDonald’s role encompasses a broad spectrum of ophthalmic services, ranging 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 the University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences in South Africa. With over 32 years of specialized experience since 1992, he has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist, honing his expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye conditions. Dr. McDonald is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He maintains a commitment to continuous professional development and adheres to the latest clinical guidelines and standards in ophthalmology.

Dr. McDonald’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving his patients’ vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He believes in educating patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment plans. 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 and enhance quality of life. He collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, all while offering communication and care in English, with a dedicated focus on the well-being of his patients in Ottawa.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. McDonald addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.

• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
• 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. McDonald 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.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. McDonald addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.

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

• Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.

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

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. McDonald's primary eye clinic is located at a specialized eye center in Ottawa, situated conveniently near the Billings Bridge Shopping Centre in the neighborhoods of Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge. The clinic offers a welcoming, professional environment designed to provide comprehensive eye care in a comfortable setting. Patients can easily access the clinic via OC Transpo services, including the O-Train LRT and local bus routes. The facility is accessible and equipped with on-site or nearby public parking, ensuring ease of access for all patients. For surgical procedures, Dr. McDonald often performs surgeries at Ottawa Hospital, leveraging advanced facilities in Ottawa's medical district. The clinic is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered ophthalmic services in a convenient, accessible location.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McDonald specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. McDonald, 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, providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. McDonald?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McDonald that are covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or an optometrist is typically required. This ensures that your visit is appropriate and that Dr. McDonald 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. McDonald's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (613) 739-5432.

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. McDonald 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.

Does Dr. McDonald perform cataract surgery?

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

How does Dr. McDonald treat glaucoma?

Dr. McDonald 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.

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

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. McDonald 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. McDonald's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McDonald?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McDonald 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Ottawa
1655 Kilborn Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1H 6M7

Office Phone: (613) 739-5437 | Office Fax: (613) 739-5432

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

Verify Dr. McDonald's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McDonald-Hector/0046299-60277