Dr. James Andrew Martin – Ophthalmologist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. James Andrew Martin 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 Hamilton in Hamilton, ON, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in every aspect of patient care. Dr. Martin's focus is on delivering personalized, gentle care in a welcoming environment, offering 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 patient-friendly setting designed for comfort and accessibility, equipped with modern diagnostic tools and treatment facilities.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist for over 43 years, since 1981. His extensive experience underscores his commitment to excellence in eye care. Dr. Martin is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his advanced training and expertise in ophthalmology. His certifications attest to his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professional competence and patient safety.

Dr. Martin’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, ensuring they feel informed and comfortable. Utilizing the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he strives for precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss, and he collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive, holistic care. All communication and patient care are conducted in English, with a dedicated approach to safeguarding each patient’s sight and well-being in Hamilton.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
• 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: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Martin 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.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.

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

• 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.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.

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

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. Martin practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Hamilton, ON. The clinic is situated in Hamilton's Corktown/Stinson neighborhood, close to the Westmount Recreation Centre. Easily accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), it offers convenient access for patients from various parts of the city. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with parking typically available nearby, including some accessible spots. The clinic provides a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care, equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities to serve the community’s eye health needs effectively.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Martin, is a physician and surgeon specializing in eye care, able to provide the full spectrum of medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who conduct eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and can diagnose and manage many eye conditions with medications or refer to an ophthalmologist for more complex issues or surgery. Both play vital roles in eye health.

How does Dr. Martin treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Martin 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.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Martin?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Martin 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.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Martin specialize in?

Dr. Martin 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.

Does Dr. Martin perform cataract surgery?

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

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

Dr. Martin treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, he may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. 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. Martin covered by provincial health insurance?

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

a specialized eye clinic in Hamilton
88 Wentworth Street South
Hamilton, ON L8N 2Y9

Office Phone: (905) 522-3563 | Office Fax: (905) 522-3564

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

Verify Dr. Martin's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Martin-James-Andrew/0028495-33318