Dr. John Christopher McDonald is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at London Health Sciences Centre in Peterborough, 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). As a comprehensive 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 patient-friendly environment designed for comfort and accessibility, ensuring every patient receives personalized and compassionate care.
Dr. McDonald graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1983, accumulating over 41 years of specialized experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his extensive training and expertise in the field of eye care. His certifications include comprehensive training in both medical and surgical ophthalmology, enabling him to address a wide range of eye conditions with skill and precision.
Driven by a commitment to preserving and improving vision, Dr. McDonald emphasizes compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He believes in educating patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he ensures precise and effective treatments. His philosophy centers on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care. All communication and care are provided in English, with a dedicated focus on maintaining the highest standards of patient well-being in Peterborough.
Dr. John McDonald provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. McDonald 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.
- Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
- 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. McDonald 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: 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.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. McDonald addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Management focuses on lowering eye pressure further and addressing other potential risk factors.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acut 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.
- Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Symptoms can include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and an enlarged cloudy cornea.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. John McDonald is necessary.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Potentially offers improved visual outcomes for select patients.
- Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
- Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. McDonald.
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. McDonald's primary eye clinic is located at the London Health Sciences Centre in Peterborough, ON. The clinic is situated in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood, conveniently close to the Peterborough Memorial Centre (Arena). Patients can access the clinic easily via Peterborough Transit, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a professional and welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. The nearby Peterborough Regional Health Centre often serves as the site for surgical procedures, ensuring seamless coordination for both medical and surgical treatments. The clinic's location emphasizes accessibility, patient comfort, and high-quality care, making it a trusted destination for eye health in the community.
- Does Dr. McDonald perform cataract surgery?
- Yes, cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by Ophthalmologists like Dr. McDonald. It involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Dr. McDonald can evaluate your cataracts and discuss the surgical options, including different types of IOLs.
- How does Dr. McDonald treat glaucoma?
- For glaucoma, Dr. McDonald 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.
- What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. McDonald?
- As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. McDonald 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.
- Are services from Dr. McDonald covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McDonald, 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. McDonald'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. McDonald's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McDonald?
- You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McDonald 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. McDonald specialize in?
- Dr. McDonald 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 is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. McDonald and an Optometrist?
- An Ophthalmologist like Dr. McDonald is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school followed by residency training in ophthalmology. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Optometrists (OD) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and managing certain eye abnormalities and diseases (scope varies by province/territory). They typically do not perform invasive surgery.
London Health Sciences Centre
26 Hospital Dr
Peterborough, ON K9J 7C3
Office Phone: (705) 743-2040 | Office Fax: (705) 740-6865
Dr. McDonald 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. McDonald, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. McDonald's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McDonald-John-Christopher/0031089-43069