About
Dr. Jean-Louis Lavoie is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at CHUS - Hôtel-Dieu in Sherbrooke, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic is situated in the Fleurimont East neighborhood, conveniently accessible near the Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke. It is easily reachable via the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS), offering accessible and comfortable facilities for all patients. The eye clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, within a welcoming environment that prioritizes patient comfort and quality care.
Dr. Lavoie holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1978, accumulating over 46 years of specialized experience. He has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Ophthalmology in Quebec. His license is issued by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), with license number 74310, ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards and ethics.
Dedicated to preserving and improving vision, Dr. Lavoie emphasizes compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is committed to educating his patients about their eye health, involving them in treatment decisions, and utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. His professional philosophy focuses on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Dr. Lavoie provides comprehensive eye care consultations and treatments in French, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic patient well-being and optimal outcomes in Sherbrooke.
Dr. Jean-Louis Lavoie provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Lavoie addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Lavoie addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Lavoie addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
- 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.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
- 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. Jean-Louis Lavoie is necessary.
- Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Offering premium IOL options designed to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
- 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): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Risk assessment for individuals with family history or other risk factors.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Lavoie.
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. Lavoie practices at the CHUS - Hôtel-Dieu, located in Sherbrooke's Fleurimont East neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke, easily accessible via public transportation provided by the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). 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 does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Lavoie specialize in?
- Dr. Lavoie 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.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Lavoie?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Lavoie 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. Lavoie treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. Lavoie 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. Lavoie?
- A visit to Dr. Lavoie 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. Lavoie?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Lavoie 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. Lavoie'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 (819) 822-6795.
- Are services from Dr. Lavoie covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Lavoie 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. Lavoie's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- Does Dr. Lavoie perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Lavoie. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Lavoie can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
CHUS - Hôtel-Dieu
580 rue Bowen S
Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8
Office Phone: (819) 346-1110 | Office Fax: (819) 822-6795
Dr. Lavoie 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. Lavoie, particularly for services covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Lavoie's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=74310