Dr. John William Wilkinson – Ophthalmologist | Kitchener, ON

Dr. John William Wilkinson 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 Kitchener in Kitchener, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As an Ophthalmologist, he offers comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, 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.

Dr. Wilkinson graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 27 years of specialized experience since 1997, he has been practicing as an Ophthalmologist, gaining extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing complex eye conditions. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His certifications and ongoing commitment to professional development ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care, utilizing the latest advancements in ophthalmology.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Wilkinson is dedicated to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in their treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to provide 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. He collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and maintains a strong commitment to patient education, all communicated effectively in English. Dr. Wilkinson’s approach is rooted in a deep dedication to maintaining the visual health of his community in Kitchener.

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

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

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

• Astigmatism: An imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Wilkinson addresses primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Clouding of the posterior lens capsule that can occur months or years after cataract surgery.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Malposition of an implanted artificial lens or the eye's natural lens, often due to trauma or zonular weakness.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Clouding of the lens present at birth or developing in early childhood.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Wilkinson addresses medical, laser, and surgical treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

• 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.
• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Glaucoma that develops as a result of another medical condition, eye injury, medication use (like steroids), or previous eye surgery.

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

• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Prompt management of conditions like corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
• Glaucoma Screening, Diagnosis, and Monitoring: Comprehensive testing for glaucoma including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), visual field testing, and gonioscopy.
• 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).

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

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. Wilkinson practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in the heart of Kitchener, conveniently accessible via the Westmount Area access. The clinic is located near the Doon and Heritage Park neighborhoods, offering easy access through public transit options such as Grand River Transit (GRT), including Bus and ION Light Rail services. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, with ample parking available nearby. For surgical procedures, Dr. Wilkinson often performs surgeries at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, which is also located in Kitchener’s vibrant community. The clinic provides a welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive eye care, ensuring patients receive attentive and personalized service in a professional setting.

Does Dr. Wilkinson perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Wilkinson, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Wilkinson 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. Wilkinson?

Dr. Wilkinson 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.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wilkinson specialize in?

Dr. Wilkinson 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. Wilkinson covered by provincial health insurance?

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

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

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wilkinson 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.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Wilkinson?

Yes, a referral from a family doctor or optometrist is generally necessary to see Dr. Wilkinson 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. Wilkinson'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) 804-8859.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wilkinson?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Wilkinson 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.

a specialized eye clinic in Kitchener
B8-026, 4278 King St E
Kitchener, ON N2P 2G5

Office Phone: (519) 804-8858 | Office Fax: (519) 804-8859

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

Verify Dr. Wilkinson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Wilkinson-John-William/0052467-66431