Dr. John Eric Thomsen – Ophthalmologist | Brantford, ON

Dr. John Eric Thomsen 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 Brantford in Brantford, ON, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care within the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As a seasoned 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. Thomsen graduated with his Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1995, accumulating over 29 years of specialized experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring he maintains the highest standards of medical practice and patient safety.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment plans. Dr. Thomsen utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to deliver precise and effective treatments. His focus on early detection and management of eye diseases aims to prevent vision loss, and he collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care. All communication and care are provided in English, with a strong commitment to patient understanding and comfort in Brantford.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Thomsen addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Astigmatism: Often occurs in conjunction with myopia or hyperopia.
• 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.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): A condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of on the retina.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Thomsen addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Age-Related Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens that occurs as part of the aging process, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Thomsen addresses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive, irreversible vision loss.

• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: Requires prompt surgical intervention to control eye pressure and prevent blindness.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acu­te or Chronic): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.

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

• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Prescription of appropriate medications and therapies.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Baseline evaluations and routine check-ups for maintaining optimal eye health.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Reserved for glaucoma not adequately controlled by medications or laser.

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

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. Thomsen practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in Brantford's Holmedale neighborhood, in close proximity to Brantford City Hall. The clinic is accessible via Brantford Transit and offers a welcoming, professional environment for comprehensive eye care. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with parking typically available nearby, including accessible options. For surgical procedures, Dr. Thomsen collaborates with the Brant Community Healthcare System Hospital, located in the North Ward, which is equipped with modern surgical suites and patient amenities. Patients can expect personalized, attentive care in a convenient and community-oriented setting.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Thomsen?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Thomsen 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. Thomsen 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. Thomsen's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (519) 758-9848.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Thomsen?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Thomsen 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 is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Thomsen and an Optometrist?

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Thomsen, 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. Thomsen treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Thomsen 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.

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

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

Does Dr. Thomsen perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Thomsen, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Thomsen would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

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

Dr. Thomsen 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Brantford
274 Lynden Road
Brantford, ON N3R 6B8

Office Phone: (519) 758-8626 | Office Fax: (519) 758-9848

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

Verify Dr. Thomsen's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Thomsen-John-Eric/0046897-60875