About
Dr. John Russell Gonder is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at Health Services Wellness & Well-Bei in London, 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 each patient receives comprehensive and compassionate care. As a skilled 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. Gonder graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. He has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist since 1979, accumulating over 45 years of specialized experience in eye care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which affirms his expertise and commitment to excellence in ophthalmology. His extensive training and certification enable him to deliver the highest quality of care for a wide range of eye conditions.
His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Gonder is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments, emphasizing early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. His approach includes collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a focus on building trusting and lasting doctor-patient relationships in London.
Dr. John Gonder provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:
Refractive Errors and Vision Correction
Dr. Gonder addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
- Candidates for Refractive Surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK, ICL): Discussion of different refractive surgery options and their suitability.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
Cataracts and Lens Disorders
Dr. Gonder addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.
- Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.
- Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
- Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Treated with a quick and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
Glaucoma Management
Dr. Gonder 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): Laser iridotomy is a common preventative or treatment procedure.
- Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. John Gonder is necessary.
- Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
- Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.
- Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma.
- Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Femtosecond Laser): Utilizing advanced femtosecond laser technology for enhanced precision in key steps of cataract surgery.
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
- Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma (Trabeculectomy, Glaucoma Drainage Devices/Shunts, MIGS): Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures, often combined with cataract surgery.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Gonder.
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. Gonder's primary eye clinic is situated at Health Services Wellness & Well-Bei in London, ON. The clinic is conveniently located in London's Downtown London, North London East neighborhood, close to Fanshawe College (Main Campus). Patients can easily access the facility via London Transit Commission (LTC) routes, and the clinic is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all. The eye care center offers a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye examinations, vision correction services, and management of eye diseases. Ample parking options are usually available in proximity to the clinic, making it convenient for patients to receive attentive eye care in a professional setting.
- How does Dr. Gonder treat glaucoma?
- Dr. Gonder 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.
- What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gonder specialize in?
- Dr. Gonder 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.
- Are services from Dr. Gonder covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gonder, 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. Gonder'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. Gonder's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Gonder and an Optometrist?
- The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Gonder, 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. Gonder?
- Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Gonder for medical or surgical eye conditions covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This helps coordinate your care effectively. If you have an urgent eye problem, contact Dr. Gonder's office or seek emergency eye care as appropriate, as referral requirements may differ in emergencies. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (519) 646-6314.
Health Services Wellness & Well-Bei
268 Grosvenor Street
London, ON N6A 4V2
Office Phone: (519) 685-8206 | Office Fax: (519) 646-6314
Dr. Gonder 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. Gonder, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Gonder's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gonder-John-Russell/0024179-29001