Dr. Hugh Douglas McGowan – Ophthalmologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Hugh Douglas McGowan is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at McMaster University in Toronto, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every patient receives safe, effective, and personalized treatment. As a comprehensive eye care specialist, 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 is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care.

Dr. McGowan graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto 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), reflecting his advanced training and commitment to excellence in eye care. His ongoing dedication to staying current with the latest technological advancements ensures that patients benefit from state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic options.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, patient-centered care. Dr. McGowan emphasizes educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He 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. Dr. McGowan collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a strong commitment to enhancing his patients' quality of life through excellent eye care in Toronto.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. McGowan addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Malposition of an implanted artificial lens or the eye's natural lens, often due to trauma or zonular weakness.
• 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. McGowan addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): A type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) rise in eye pressure.

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

• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs and tolerance.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• 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.

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

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. McGowan's primary eye clinic is located at McMaster University in Toronto, Ontario, offering comprehensive eye care in a modern, accessible facility. Surgical procedures, including cataract surgeries, are often performed at the University Health Network Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Distillery District, with easy access via TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking options usually available nearby. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to high-quality eye care and surgical excellence.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. McGowan?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McGowan 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. McGowan 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. McGowan's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (416) 946-2189.

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. McGowan 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.

How does Dr. McGowan treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. McGowan 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.

Does Dr. McGowan perform cataract surgery?

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

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McGowan, 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, Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). 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. McGowan's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). 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. McGowan's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

McMaster University
3N49D, 610 University Avenue, Department of Pediatrics
Toronto, ON M5G 2M9

Office Phone: (416) 946-2000 | Office Fax: (416) 946-2189

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

Verify Dr. McGowan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McGowan-Hugh-Douglas/0025439-30262