Dr. John Adam McLaughlin – Ophthalmologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. John Adam McLaughlin is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Mount Sinai Hospital in Ottawa, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice is grounded in the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As a highly trained 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.

Dr. McLaughlin graduated with a Medical Degree from Southern Illinois School of Medicine in the United States. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist with over 8 years of specialized experience since 2016. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification ensure he is well-equipped to address a wide range of ocular health issues with the latest techniques and evidence-based practices.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. McLaughlin is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to deliver precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and promote overall eye health. He offers all patient communication and care in English, emphasizing a collaborative approach to eye health and well-being in Ottawa.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Assessment includes corneal thickness, refractive error stability, and overall eye health.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

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

• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.

Glaucoma Management

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

• 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.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Diagnosis can be challenging.

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

• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Includes refraction for glasses/contacts, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination.
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.

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

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. McLaughlin practices primarily within Mount Sinai Hospital, situated in Ottawa's Britannia, Bayshore, and Crystal Beach neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently located near the Rideau Centre, accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). The eye clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, ensuring ease of access for patients seeking expert ophthalmological services in Ottawa.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McLaughlin specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. McLaughlin, 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.

How does Dr. McLaughlin treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. McLaughlin 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. McLaughlin perform cataract surgery?

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

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

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

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

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. McLaughlin 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.

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

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. McLaughlin, 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.

Mount Sinai Hospital
2211 Carling Avenue, Division of Internal Medicine
Ottawa, ON K2B 7E9

Office Phone: (613) 226-7095

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

Verify Dr. McLaughlin's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McLaughlin-John-Adam/0296595-103953