Dr. John Robert Britton – Ophthalmologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. John Robert Britton 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 Ottawa, ON, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive 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 each patient receives safe and effective treatment. As an experienced 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, equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada and has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1986, accumulating over 38 years of specialized experience. Dr. Britton is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification enable him to deliver expert care across a wide range of eye conditions, employing the latest advancements in ophthalmology.

Dr. Britton’s professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. He is committed to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them actively in their treatment decisions. Utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, he strives for precise and effective treatments with an emphasis on early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. He collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a dedicated approach to maintaining his patients’ trust and confidence in Ottawa.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Britton addresses common eye conditions where the eye does not bend (refract) light properly, leading to blurred vision.

• Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
• Presbyopia: Corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or specific surgical options.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK).

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Britton addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: May require surgical repositioning, exchange, or suturing of the lens.
• 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.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Britton 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): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.

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

• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Incisional surgeries to create new drainage pathways for eye fluid, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of glaucoma drainage devices (shunts/valves).
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Early detection and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma progression.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Guidance on lens options and proper eye care for lens wearers.
• 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.
• 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. Britton.

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. Britton practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Ottawa, ON, situated conveniently in Ottawa’s Nepean neighbourhoods including Centrepoint, Tanglewood, and Craig Henry. The clinic is close to Arts Court, easily accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and bus routes), ensuring convenient access for patients. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. The clinic offers a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care, and many surgical procedures are performed at Ottawa Hospital, located nearby in Ottawa’s healthcare hub.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Britton?

A visit to Dr. Britton 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.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Britton?

For most consultations with an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Britton 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. Britton 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. Britton's office regarding their referral policy. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (613) 226-3337.

How does Dr. Britton treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Britton 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. Britton?

As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Britton 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.

Does Dr. Britton perform cataract surgery?

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

a specialized eye clinic in Ottawa
1 Centrepointe Drive, Dept. of Psychiatry
Ottawa, ON K2G 6E2

Office Phone: (613) 226-3335 | Office Fax: (613) 226-3337

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

Verify Dr. Britton's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Britton-John-Robert/0028087-32910