About
Dr. John Alan Spencer 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 Etobicoke in Etobicoke, 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 compassionate care. Dr. Spencer's role is to offer comprehensive medical and surgical eye services, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems. 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 Toronto, Canada, and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1978, accumulating over 46 years of specialized experience. Dr. Spencer is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his extensive training and commitment to excellence in eye care. His certifications attest to his proficiency in diagnosing and managing complex eye conditions and performing advanced surgical interventions.
Driven by a professional philosophy centered on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care, Dr. Spencer emphasizes patient education, involving individuals actively in their treatment decisions. He utilizes the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and enhance quality of life. His dedication to patient well-being is complemented by his commitment to clear communication, providing all services in English, and fostering a welcoming environment for every patient in Etobicoke.
Dr. John Spencer provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Spencer addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): May cause eye strain or headaches, especially with close work.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Evaluation of individuals interested in surgical procedures to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Spencer addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Can significantly impact visual development and requires prompt surgical intervention if visually significant.
- Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
- Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Spencer addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
- 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.
- 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): Treatment involves managing the underlying cause and lowering eye pressure.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. John Spencer is necessary.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.
- Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Cyclophotocoagulation procedures to reduce aqueous humor production in advanced glaucoma.
- 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.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Accurate measurement of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
- Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Spencer.
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. Spencer practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in the heart of Etobicoke, conveniently located within the Etobicoke neighborhood. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring patients can reach their appointments with ease. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients will find ample parking options usually in proximity to the eye care center, with nearby medical facilities and optical services to support ongoing eye health needs.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Spencer specialize in?
- Dr. Spencer 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.
- How does Dr. Spencer treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Spencer 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.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Spencer?
- For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Spencer 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. Spencer 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. Spencer's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (416) 622-1215.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Spencer?
- Dr. Spencer 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.
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Spencer?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Spencer 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.
- Are services from Dr. Spencer covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Spencer, 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. Spencer'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. Spencer's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Does Dr. Spencer perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. Spencer. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. Spencer can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
a specialized eye clinic in Etobicoke
H Wing 1st Floor Room 185, 385 The West Mall
Etobicoke, ON M9C 1E7
Office Phone: (416) 622-1864 | Office Fax: (416) 622-1215
Dr. Spencer 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. Spencer, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Spencer's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Spencer-John-Alan/0022793-27584